What is the difference between a thoracic and abdominal aneurysm?
While an aneurysm may occur in any blood vessel, but is most often seen in an artery, an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) within the abdomen. A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) occurs in the wall of the aorta within the chest.
How do you monitor thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Tests for thoracic aortic aneurysm include:
- Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to capture real-time images of your heart and the ascending aorta.
- Computed tomography (CT). CT uses X-rays to create cross-sectional images of the body, including the aorta.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Is thoracic aneurysm serious?
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a serious health risk because, depending on its location and size, it may rupture or dissect (tear), causing life-threatening internal bleeding. When detected in time, a thoracic aortic aneurysm can often be repaired with surgery or other less invasive techniques.
How quickly can an aortic aneurysm develop?
Most aneurysms grow slowly at a rate of about 3mm (1/8th inch) per year but larger aneurysms can grow more quickly. How often you will need to have a scan will depend on the size of your aneurysm.
When should you intervene for a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
TAA size is the strongest predictor of acute aortic syndromes. In patients who have no other conditions, the guidelines recommend surgery when the aortic root, ascending aorta, or aortic arch reaches 5.5 cm and when the descending aorta reaches 6.0 cm (≥ 5.5 cm with endovascular stenting).
What does a thoracic aneurysm feel like?
Symptoms of a thoracic aneurysm may include: Pain in the jaw, neck, or upper back. Pain in the chest or back. Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath as a result of pressure on the trachea (windpipe)
Can a aortic aneurysm occur in a thoracic patient?
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are also found and typically involve the ascending aorta. In a recent systematic study of adults with Turner syndrome, Elsheikh et al 13 screened 38 asymptomatic women and found that 42% had aortic root dilatation.
How is Turner syndrome related to aortic aneurysms?
Turner syndrome is associated with a number of cardiovascular anomalies, including a bicuspid aortic valve (present in one third of subjects) and coarctation of the aorta. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are also found and typically involve the ascending aorta.
How big is an abdominal aortic aneurysm ( AAA )?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as an aortic diameter at least one and one-half times the normal diameter at the level of the renal arteries, which is approximately 2.0 cm.
Who is responsible for the care of aortic aneurysms?
Indeed, whereas cardiac surgeons operate on the ascending aorta and arch and vascular surgeons manage abdominal aortic aneurysms, at present the responsibility often falls to cardiologists to oversee the medical care of patients with aortic disease of all types.