Definition:
A thoracic aneurysm occurs when a weak area of the thoracic aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body, allows blood to pass through the inner wall layers and causes the aorta itself to enlarge and "balloon." It can be a serious condition when the aorta enlarges enough to rupture and cause internal bleeding, and death. The larger the aorta is in diameter, the greater chance it has to rupture. It is recommended that surgical repair should be done once the aorta diameter reaches >6cm; diameters less than 6cm can be watched and managed medically. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, and it is more common in men over 60 years old.
Symptoms:
- Most people have no symptoms until it ruptures or causes heart failure
- Pain in the jaw, neck, and back
- Chest/back pain
- Coughing
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing
Diagnosis:
- Chest X-Ray - initial evaluation of aorta size
- CT/MRI - more detailed visualization of aorta anatomy
- Echocardiography - to visualize anatomy and blood flow within the aorta
Treatment:
- Depends mainly on the size of the aneurysm
- Less than 5cm - monitor aneurysm size with CT scans or ultrasound every 6 months and give beta-blockers to control blood pressure
- Greater than 6cm - Surgery
