Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Definition
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a widening (bulging) of part of the wall of the aorta, the body's largest artery.
Alternative Names
Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aorticCauses
Thoracic aneurysms most often occur in the descending thoracic aorta. Others may appear in the ascending aorta or the aortic arch.
The most common cause of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Other risk factors include various connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, atherosclerosis, previous dissection of the aorta, having high blood pressure for a long time, trauma such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, and syphilis.
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