Aortic abdominal abnormalities presenting acutely include aneurysms, dissection, inflammatory aortitis, traumatic aortic injuries, and graft complications. Acute abnormalities of the abdominal aorta are frequently life-threatening so a thorough understanding of the different conditions and appropriate radiographic evaluation is warranted. The accessibility, speed, and excellent spatial resolution afforded by computed tomography (CT) scanning makes it the modality of choice for initial evaluation of most acute aortic pathology. Ultrasonography can have a limited role, primarily to confirm the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) before emergent surgery for suspected rupture. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a viable option for imaging many aortic diseases; however, there are many logistical problems with MRI when imaging acutely ill patients. Diagnostic catheter aortography is limited to imaging of the flow lumen and can therefore be misleading, thus the use of catheter angiography is usually reserved for guiding endovascular therapy. This article concentrates on CT techniques and findings of acute abdominal aortic pathology.