What is a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm?
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakening and widening of the aorta as it passes through the chest. When part of its wall becomes weak, it can stretch and enlarge over time. As the aneurysm grows, the risk of a tear or rupture increases, which can be life-threatening if not treated.
Possible causes and risk factors include:
- Age-related weakening of blood vessel walls
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Buildup of plaque in the arteries
- Genetic conditions affecting connective tissue
- Family history of aneurysms
- Inflammation or rare infections
Symptoms
Thoracic aortic aneurysms often develop slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they are usually related to the size and location of the aneurysm.
Common symptoms may include:
- Chest or upper back pain
- Pain in the neck or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing or wheezing
- Hoarseness
- Trouble swallowing
Sudden, severe chest or back pain may signal a medical emergency and requires immediate care.
How is it diagnosed?
Many thoracic aortic aneurysms are found during imaging tests done for other reasons. Your provider will review your medical history and perform a physical exam before ordering tests.
Imaging studies help confirm the diagnosis and measure the aneurysm’s size. These may include CT scans, MRI scans, or echocardiograms. In some cases, additional tests like angiography or specialized ultrasound may be used to get a clearer view of the aorta.
How is it treated?
Treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm, how quickly it is growing, and your overall health.
For smaller aneurysms that are not causing symptoms, your care team may recommend regular imaging and management of risk factors. This can include:
- Controlling blood pressure
- Improving diet
- Quitting smoking
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Medications may be prescribed to reduce strain on the aorta, especially to manage blood pressure or cholesterol.
If the aneurysm becomes large or begins to cause symptoms, repair may be needed. This can involve traditional open surgery or a less invasive approach using a stent graft placed inside the artery. Recovery time varies depending on the type of procedure, with minimally invasive options often allowing for a quicker return to daily activities.
