"Aortitis" is a pathologic term that refers to an abnormal inflammation of the 
aortic wall. A wide spectrum of infectious, inflammatory, and idiopathic 
conditions may result in the development of aortitis. Infectious aortitis may be 
secondary to bacterial, tubercular, syphilitic, and viral pathogens. Although 
Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis are the most common rheumatologic 
causes of aortitis, the other systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, 
systemic lupus erythematosus, Behçet disease, and Cogan syndrome, may also be 
associated with aortitis. In addition, aortitis may also occur without any 
systemic diseases or infectious causes (idiopathic). Clinical features of 
aortitis are nonspecific and may include fever, abdominal or chest pain, and 
vascular insufficiency. Patients may have elevated serum levels of acute phase 
reactants. A high index of clinical suspicion is always needed for the diagnosis 
of aortitis in a timely manner. Cross-sectional imaging techniques, such as 
computed tomographic angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance 
angiography, and positron emission tomography, are extremely helpful in 
diagnosis, assessing disease activity, treatment planning, and post-treatment 
follow-up. Many of the patients with aortitis may require a multimodality 
imaging approach for appropriate diagnosis. Knowledge of the clinical features 
and cross-sectional imaging findings of different types of aortitis permit 
optimal patient management.