Guidelines for Intervention for thoracic aortic aneurysmĪny patient with an acutely symptomatic thoracic aortic aneurysm (see above) requires immediate attention. Medications to control high blood pressure and cessation of smoking are recommended. No medication has proven effective in slowing the growth rate of aneurysms. Unlike abdominal aortic aneurysms, which can easily be followed with periodic ultrasound measurements, the diameter and growth rate of TAAs can only be measured accurately by either CT scan or MRI. The prescribed time intervals between measurements may change. Your doctor will measure your aneurysm at pre-determined intervals to make sure it has not reached a critical size or growing too fast. The mainstay of non-surgical management for all aortic aneurysms is conservative, otherwise known as 'watchful waiting' or surveillance. Non-surgical and medical management for thoracic aortic aneurysm Fitness to drive restrictions can also apply. Travel insurrance can be difficult to obtain and often depends on insurance policy wording. Logically, the closer the aneurysm diameter approaches operative threshold, the more closely the above suggestions about lifestyle should be followed. Much depends on the size of the aneurysm as the patient is being followed within a surveillance program. Lifestyle modification for thoracic aortic aneurysmĪlthough most aortic specialists recommend no heavy lifting, exercising in moderation and avoiding emotional extremes, there is very little scientific evidence for this. Echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) can also be reliable, but is more invasive. Diagnosis and tests for thoracic aortic aneurysmĪ simple chest X-ray can usually detect an abnormality in the thoracic aorta, but actual measurement of the aortic diameter can only by performed reliably with either Computerized Tomography (CT scan) or Magnetic resonance (MRI). Occasionnaly, a thoracic aneurysm can compress on adjacent chest structures and cause hoarseness, coughing or problems swallowing. Acute or chronic symptoms can range from chest, neck, jaw or back pain, to life threatening bleeding and shock. On occasion, thoracic aneurysms can be discovered during an ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography). They are commonly discovered during a chest X-ray or CT scan done for another reason. What are the symptoms of thoracic aortic aneurysm? Other conditions include infection, trauma, and aortic dissection, which is when a tear occurs between the layers of the aortic wall, and blood flows within the wall. In young people (<40yrs.), thoracic aneurysms are often associated with connective tissue disorders such as Marfan's or Ehlers-Danlos syndromes. Family history, smoking, male gender, high blood, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and previous stroke also are identified risk factors. Atherosclerosis (ironicaly also known as 'hardening of the arteries') causes degeneration and aneurysm formation. The most common cause for a TAA is weakening of aortic wall, leading to localized dilatation or bulging. Less frequently, they can occur in the thoracic aorta, in either the ascending, arch, or descending section. Most aortic aneurysms are located in the abdominal cavity (90%).

Upon leaving the chest, the aorta continues it's course into the abdomen, and delivers blood to the rest of the body. In the thoracic (chest) cavity, it forms an arch, similar to a candy cane, and is divided in three sections: ascending, transverse and descending thoracic aorta. The aorta is the body's main artery, originating from the heart in the chest. An aneurysm is a dilatation (ballooning) of an artery, which can burst and lead to life threatening hemorrhage.

Arteries are designed to withstand high pressure.

Dilated aortic arch