Thoracic aortic aneurysm: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Thoracic aortic aneurysm | |||
| image = [[File:Thoracic_Aortic_Aneurysm.png|250px]] | |||
| caption = Thoracic aortic aneurysm as seen on a CT scan | |||
| field = [[Vascular surgery]] | |||
| synonyms = Thoracic aneurysm | |||
| symptoms = Often none, but may include [[chest pain]], [[back pain]], [[cough]], [[shortness of breath]] | |||
| complications = [[Aortic dissection]], [[aortic rupture]] | |||
| onset = Typically in adults over 50 | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = [[Atherosclerosis]], [[genetic disorders]] (e.g., [[Marfan syndrome]], [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]]), [[trauma]] | |||
| risks = [[Hypertension]], [[smoking]], [[family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[CT scan]], [[MRI]], [[echocardiography]] | |||
| differential = [[Aortic dissection]], [[pulmonary embolism]], [[myocardial infarction]] | |||
| prevention = [[Blood pressure control]], [[smoking cessation]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgery]], [[endovascular aneurysm repair]] (EVAR), [[beta blockers]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, depends on size and growth rate | |||
| frequency = 10 per 100,000 people per year | |||
| deaths = Approximately 15,000 per year in the United States | |||
}} | |||
[[Aneurysm]] of the thoracic aorta is called thoracic aortic aneurysm. | [[Aneurysm]] of the thoracic aorta is called thoracic aortic aneurysm. | ||
A '''thoracic aortic aneurysm''' is an abnormal dilation or bulging of the [[aorta]] in the thoracic region. The condition presents a significant medical concern, as it may result in life-threatening complications such as aortic rupture or dissection. | |||
[[File:Dissecting aneurysm 01.jpg|Dissecting aneurysm|left|thumb]] | |||
A '''thoracic aortic aneurysm''' is an abnormal dilation or bulging of the [[aorta]] in the thoracic region. The condition presents a significant medical concern, as it may result in life-threatening complications such as aortic rupture or dissection | |||
[[File:Dissecting aneurysm 01.jpg|Dissecting aneurysm|thumb]] | |||
== Types of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm == | == Types of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm == | ||
Depending on its anatomical location, a thoracic aortic aneurysm can be classified into several categories: | Depending on its anatomical location, a thoracic aortic aneurysm can be classified into several categories: | ||
[[File:Aortic aneurysm.jpg|Aortic aneurysm|thumb]] | [[File:Aortic aneurysm.jpg|Aortic aneurysm|left|thumb]] | ||
* '''Aneurysm of the Ascending Aorta''': Involves the portion of the aorta that rises from the heart. | * '''Aneurysm of the Ascending Aorta''': Involves the portion of the aorta that rises from the heart. | ||
* '''Aneurysm of the Descending Aorta''': Affects the part of the aorta that descends through the thoracic cavity. | * '''Aneurysm of the Descending Aorta''': Affects the part of the aorta that descends through the thoracic cavity. | ||
[[File:Diseased Blood Vessel Model (5187) (17871785643).jpg|Diseased Blood Vessel Model|left|thumb]] | |||
[[File:Diseased Blood Vessel Model (5187) (17871785643).jpg|Diseased Blood Vessel Model|thumb]] | |||
== Risk Factors == | == Risk Factors == | ||
A variety of factors may increase the risk of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm: | A variety of factors may increase the risk of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm: | ||
* '''Age''': Older individuals are more prone to aneurysms. | * '''Age''': Older individuals are more prone to aneurysms. | ||
* '''Smoking''': A significant risk factor due to its detrimental effects on blood vessels. | * '''Smoking''': A significant risk factor due to its detrimental effects on blood vessels. | ||
| Line 23: | Line 38: | ||
* '''Infectious Diseases''': Such as syphilis. | * '''Infectious Diseases''': Such as syphilis. | ||
* '''Traumatic Injuries''': Direct trauma to the chest can sometimes result in an aneurysm. | * '''Traumatic Injuries''': Direct trauma to the chest can sometimes result in an aneurysm. | ||
== Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm == | == Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm == | ||
Aneurysms usually evolve gradually and may not produce symptoms until they are at an advanced stage. However, certain circumstances may prompt the onset of symptoms: | Aneurysms usually evolve gradually and may not produce symptoms until they are at an advanced stage. However, certain circumstances may prompt the onset of symptoms: | ||
=== Sudden Onset Symptoms === | === Sudden Onset Symptoms === | ||
* Rapid enlargement of the aneurysm | * Rapid enlargement of the aneurysm | ||
| Line 32: | Line 45: | ||
* Aortic dissection | * Aortic dissection | ||
* Leaking of blood along the wall of the aorta | * Leaking of blood along the wall of the aorta | ||
=== Symptoms Due to Compression of Nearby Structures === | === Symptoms Due to Compression of Nearby Structures === | ||
* Hoarseness | * Hoarseness | ||
| Line 38: | Line 50: | ||
* Stridor (high-pitched breathing) | * Stridor (high-pitched breathing) | ||
* Neck swelling | * Neck swelling | ||
=== Additional Symptoms === | === Additional Symptoms === | ||
* Chest or upper back pain | * Chest or upper back pain | ||
| Line 45: | Line 56: | ||
* Rapid heart rate | * Rapid heart rate | ||
* Sense of impending doom | * Sense of impending doom | ||
== Diagnostic Methods == | == Diagnostic Methods == | ||
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination, although imaging tests are usually necessary for confirmation: | Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination, although imaging tests are usually necessary for confirmation: | ||
* '''[[Chest X-ray]]''' | * '''[[Chest X-ray]]''' | ||
* '''[[Echocardiogram]]''' | * '''[[Echocardiogram]]''' | ||
* '''Chest [[CT Scan]] or [[MRI]]''' | * '''Chest [[CT Scan]] or [[MRI]]''' | ||
* '''[[Aortogram]]''': A specialized X-ray utilizing contrast dye | * '''[[Aortogram]]''': A specialized X-ray utilizing contrast dye | ||
== Treatment Options == | == Treatment Options == | ||
The treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms varies based on the location and severity: | The treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms varies based on the location and severity: | ||
=== Ascending Aorta or Aortic Arch Aneurysms === | === Ascending Aorta or Aortic Arch Aneurysms === | ||
* Open-chest surgery using a synthetic or fabric graft. | * Open-chest surgery using a synthetic or fabric graft. | ||
* Heart-lung machine is required for this major operation. | * Heart-lung machine is required for this major operation. | ||
=== Descending Thoracic Aorta Aneurysms === | === Descending Thoracic Aorta Aneurysms === | ||
* Major surgery to replace the affected segment with a fabric graft. | * Major surgery to replace the affected segment with a fabric graft. | ||
* [[Endovascular stenting]]: A less invasive option using a stent to reinforce the artery. Not suitable for all patients. | * [[Endovascular stenting]]: A less invasive option using a stent to reinforce the artery. Not suitable for all patients. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The long-term outlook is influenced by several variables such as concurrent medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. | The long-term outlook is influenced by several variables such as concurrent medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. | ||
=== Potential Complications === | === Potential Complications === | ||
* [[Bleeding]] | * [[Bleeding]] | ||
| Line 77: | Line 81: | ||
* [[Stroke]] | * [[Stroke]] | ||
* [[Death]] (5-10% surgical mortality rate) | * [[Death]] (5-10% surgical mortality rate) | ||
== When to Seek Medical Attention == | == When to Seek Medical Attention == | ||
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms or have a family history of aneurysms or connective tissue disorders. Preventive measures for atherosclerosis can also help mitigate the risk. | Consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms or have a family history of aneurysms or connective tissue disorders. Preventive measures for atherosclerosis can also help mitigate the risk. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Abdominal aortic aneurysm]] | * [[Abdominal aortic aneurysm]] | ||
Revision as of 18:09, 12 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Thoracic aortic aneurysm | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Thoracic aneurysm |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Often none, but may include chest pain, back pain, cough, shortness of breath |
| Complications | Aortic dissection, aortic rupture |
| Onset | Typically in adults over 50 |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Atherosclerosis, genetic disorders (e.g., Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), trauma |
| Risks | Hypertension, smoking, family history |
| Diagnosis | CT scan, MRI, echocardiography |
| Differential diagnosis | Aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction |
| Prevention | Blood pressure control, smoking cessation |
| Treatment | Surgery, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), beta blockers |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depends on size and growth rate |
| Frequency | 10 per 100,000 people per year |
| Deaths | Approximately 15,000 per year in the United States |
Aneurysm of the thoracic aorta is called thoracic aortic aneurysm.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an abnormal dilation or bulging of the aorta in the thoracic region. The condition presents a significant medical concern, as it may result in life-threatening complications such as aortic rupture or dissection.
Types of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Depending on its anatomical location, a thoracic aortic aneurysm can be classified into several categories:
- Aneurysm of the Ascending Aorta: Involves the portion of the aorta that rises from the heart.
- Aneurysm of the Descending Aorta: Affects the part of the aorta that descends through the thoracic cavity.
_(17871785643).jpg)
Risk Factors
A variety of factors may increase the risk of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm:
- Age: Older individuals are more prone to aneurysms.
- Smoking: A significant risk factor due to its detrimental effects on blood vessels.
- Gender: Men are generally at a higher risk than women.
- Genetic Factors: Family history may play a role.
- Connective Tissue Diseases: Conditions like Marfan syndrome are associated with aortic aneurysms.
- Infectious Diseases: Such as syphilis.
- Traumatic Injuries: Direct trauma to the chest can sometimes result in an aneurysm.
Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Aneurysms usually evolve gradually and may not produce symptoms until they are at an advanced stage. However, certain circumstances may prompt the onset of symptoms:
Sudden Onset Symptoms
- Rapid enlargement of the aneurysm
- Rupture
- Aortic dissection
- Leaking of blood along the wall of the aorta
Symptoms Due to Compression of Nearby Structures
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Stridor (high-pitched breathing)
- Neck swelling
Additional Symptoms
- Chest or upper back pain
- Clammy skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Sense of impending doom
Diagnostic Methods
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination, although imaging tests are usually necessary for confirmation:
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiogram
- Chest CT Scan or MRI
- Aortogram: A specialized X-ray utilizing contrast dye
Treatment Options
The treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms varies based on the location and severity:
Ascending Aorta or Aortic Arch Aneurysms
- Open-chest surgery using a synthetic or fabric graft.
- Heart-lung machine is required for this major operation.
Descending Thoracic Aorta Aneurysms
- Major surgery to replace the affected segment with a fabric graft.
- Endovascular stenting: A less invasive option using a stent to reinforce the artery. Not suitable for all patients.
Prognosis
The long-term outlook is influenced by several variables such as concurrent medical conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Potential Complications
- Bleeding
- Graft infection
- Heart attack
- Arrhythmias
- Kidney failure
- Paralysis
- Stroke
- Death (5-10% surgical mortality rate)
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms or have a family history of aneurysms or connective tissue disorders. Preventive measures for atherosclerosis can also help mitigate the risk.
See Also
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Marfan syndrome
- Aortic dissection
- Vascular surgery
- Cardiovascular diseases
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