Which bedside procedure is minimally invasive and effective for detecting aortic dissection?

The transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is recognized as a minimally invasive and highly effective bedside procedure for detecting aortic dissection. This technique allows for detailed imaging of the heart's structures and the aorta, providing critical information about the presence and extent of any dissection. TEE has superior visualization capabilities compared to transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), especially when evaluating the ascending aorta and the aortic arch, areas where dissections commonly occur.

In addition, TEE can be performed at the bedside, making it a practical choice in emergency settings or situations requiring rapid assessment of aortic conditions. This procedure also offers the advantage of being less affected by body habitus and lung disease, which can obscure images obtained through TTE. Overall, the ability of TEE to provide immediate and clear diagnostic information makes it an excellent option for detecting aortic dissection.

Other modalities, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) and chest X-ray, serve different purposes in the clinical setting. While an ECG can identify ischemic changes or arrhythmias, and a chest X-ray may suggest the presence of an aortic dissection by highlighting mediastinal widening or pleural effusions, they do not