Computerized tomography (CT) now has a definite place in the assessment of aortic vascular disease. In a study of 96 patients with abdominal or thoracic aorto-iliac problems, CT proved most useful in the management of haemodynamically stable patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms that were suspected of leaking. The complex anatomy associated with thoracic and abdominal aneurysms and aortic dissection was clearly defined. The interpretation of scans on postoperative aortic graft patients was difficult and less often helpful. The incidental finding of aortic disease during abdominal scans for a variety of other indications was infrequent and seldom contributed to patient management. The indications for CT have become far more selective.