Cardiovascular computed tomography and MRI in clinical practice: aortopathy.

The aorta serves as a lifeline for arterial supply throughout the body, the site of potentially fatal mechanical complications, and a mechanistic partner in hypertension and numerous cardiovascular diseases, thus meriting our careful attention. The following clinical vignette illustrates a case of aortic disease, paying homage to the aorta as we begin a series on cardiovascular imaging in the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine. This series seeks to present contemporary approaches to diagnosis and management in cardiovascular medicine that include state-of-the-art imaging techniques guided by bedside clinical assessment. Incorporating volumetric multidetector computed tomography and dynamic MRI at various stages of this patient's care afforded the timely detection and management of her aortopathy.