Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

The aortic aneurysm is defined by the localized dilation of the aorta. The major risk of the aneurysm is a rupture which results in the death of the patient. Diagnosed early enough, treatment often involves managing high blood pressure.

A Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm is an enlarged area in the upper part of the aorta. An aorta is the main blood vessel responsible for transporting blood throughout the body.

A Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm is also known as aortic dissection (TAAD) and Thoracic Aneurysm. An Aneurysm can cause a tear in the artery wall and cause heavy bleeding. Large, fast-growing Aneurysms are more likely to rupture rather than small, slow-growing Aneurysms.

Treatment may vary depending on the reason, volume, and growth of the Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm.

Causes of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Hardening of the arteries
Genetic diseases
Inflammatory diseases (giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis)
Heart aortic valve problems
Untreated infections like syphilis or salmonella
Traumatic injury (falls, traffic accidents)

Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

In general, Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms take time to grow and usually do not present symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Some Aneurysms fail to rupture. Several are small and remain so, and this does not prevent many from expanding over time.

As an aortic Aneurysm grows, we group the following symptoms:

Back pain
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Cough
Hoarseness

Risk factors of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Some of the risk factors for developing Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta are the following:

Smoking
Age
Being a man
Family background
Other Aneurysms

Diagnosis of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

This condition is usually found when performing exams for other purposes or doing routine tests, such as ultrasound scans of the heart or abdomen.

The specialist doctor, either Angiologist or Vascular Surgeon, will evaluate medical and family history, and a physical examination will take place. Other tests may also be done to confirm if it is an Aortic Aneurysm, such as the following:

Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

The purpose of treatments for this condition is to prevent the Aneurysm from rupturing. The treatment will depend on the size of the Aneurysm, as well as the speed it grows. The doctor may suggest a non-surgical option and have the Aneurysm checked, or the Aneurysm repaired with surgery.

Medical control of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

The specialist will recommend following medical control if the abdominal Aneurysm is still small, and there are no symptoms. Continuous visits to the doctor will be required to check if the Aneurysm grows. Likewise, he will prescribe treatment to control other conditions, such as Hypertension, since they can worsen the Aneurysm.

Surgery of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Repair surgery can be suggested if the Aneurysm is between 4.5 and 5.6 cm in size or more, or is growing too fast. Additionally, the doctor may suggest surgery if the patient has symptoms such as stomach pain, if the Aneurysm is leaking, or if there is tenderness or pain.

Various factors such as the location and size of the Aneurysm, age of the patient, and what other conditions they have must be evaluated. Treatments that involve repair include:

Open abdomen surgery. The damaged section of the aorta is removed and replaced with a synthetic graft, which is sewn into the damaged area. Recovery takes up to more than a month.

Endovascular repair. It is used more frequently because it requires minimal invasion, and does not involve surgery. It is called endovascular because the Aneurysm is repaired from inside the affected aorta.

Living with Aneurysm

Aneurysms of the thoracic aorta can be hereditary. If you have a family history that has suffered from an Aneurysm or other suspected genetic diseases, you should go to a specialist, who will be in charge of carrying out tests that can detect an Aortic Aneurysm.

By following the following preventive measures, you can avoid developing a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm:

Avoid smoking
Do not consume alcohol in excess
Controlling stress
Eating a balanced diet
Keeping a healthy weight

When to see a doctor?

It is crucial to consult a specialist in Angiology or Vascular Surgery to diagnose an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm accurately and start personalized treatment according to each patient's particular situation.

Patients with a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm generally have no symptoms unless a muscle tear or rupture occurs.

When consulting the Angiologist, or Vascular Surgeon, it is advisable to keep a record of the symptoms and their duration. If any medication or food supplements are taken, you must report it to the specialist. Proper and timely diagnosis can prevent future complications.

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