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Aortic rupture, chest X-ray
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Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Definition:
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a localized expansion of the wall of the aorta.

Alternative Names:
Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Thoracic aortic aneurysms are caused by hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure (hypertension), congenital disorders such as Marfan's syndrome, trauma, or less commonly, syphilis.

Atherosclerosis is by far the most common cause.

Thoracic aneurysms occur in the ascending aorta (25% of the time), the aortic arch (25% of the time), or the descending thoracic aorta (50% of the time).

Risk factors include various connective tissue disorders (such as Marfan's syndrome), atherosclerosis, previous dissection of the aorta, prolonged hypertension, and trauma (usually falls or motor vechicle accidents).



Review Date: 5/7/2002
Reviewed By: Allan S. Stewart, M.D., Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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