Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysm (pronunciation: tho-RAS-ik AOR-tik an-yuh-riz-uhm) is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal bulging or ballooning of the aorta in the chest region, specifically the thoracic part of the aorta.

Etymology

The term "thoracic aortic aneurysm" is derived from three words: "thoracic" (from the Greek thorax, meaning "chest"), "aortic" (pertaining to the aorta, the main artery in the body), and "aneurysm" (from the Greek aneurysma, meaning "dilation").

Definition

A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs when one or more areas along the wall of the aorta — the body's largest blood vessel — become weak or damaged, causing the aorta to widen or bulge. The thoracic aorta is the section of the aorta that runs through the chest.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm can include chest pain, back pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty swallowing. However, many people with this condition do not experience symptoms until the aneurysm begins to rupture.

Causes

The exact cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms is unknown, but they are often associated with conditions that damage the aorta's walls, such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and smoking.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a thoracic aortic aneurysm often involves imaging tests such as a chest X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

Treatment

Treatment options for a thoracic aortic aneurysm can include watchful waiting, medication to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of rupture, and surgery to repair the aneurysm.

Related Terms

• Aneurysm
• Aorta
• Marfan syndrome
• Loeys-Dietz syndrome
• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• CT scan
• MRI

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Thoracic aortic aneurysm
• Wikipedia's article - Thoracic aortic aneurysm

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