Acute aortic dissection is featured as sudden onset and high mortality. Regardless early optimal surgical intervention and strict medical therapy, incidence of late complications is still high. Thus, specific imaging techniques and precise measurement of biomarkers to predict complications are needed. In the present study, we reviewed related papers to compare traditional imaging techniques (computed tomography, echocardiography) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of chronic aortic dissection. In addition, we discussed how to further evaluate aortic dissection by MRI.