As the largest artery in the body, the aorta is responsible for carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart to all other parts of the body. Where your aorta runs through your chest is called the thoracic aorta, and where it moves down through your abdomen is called the abdominal aorta. Some people experience just one type of aneurysm, but some experience both types of aortic aneurysms.
Each year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, and a ruptured aortic aneurysm is a leading cause of death.
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An abnormal bulging or enlargement of the wall of the aorta is called an aortic aneurysm. They can occur anywhere in the aorta–from the chest to the abdomen, and may be defined as a:
The symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a thoracic aortic aneurysm differ greatly. Many aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic, meaning they do not cause any symptoms until your aneurysm ruptures. Luckily, many are found when patients are being evaluated with a CT or MRI scan for other medical problems, and many are found during routine screenings.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm affects the lower part of the aorta in your abdomen. You may experience symptoms including:
A thoracic aortic aneurysm affects the upper part of your aorta in your chest. You may experience:
These symptoms are serious, and early diagnosis of an aneurysm is key to managing your condition and reducing the risk of rupture. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please call your doctor immediately.
Unfortunately, aneurysms run in families. If a member of your immediate family has had an aortic aneurysm, you are 12x more likely to develop one, as well.
Other risk factors that contribute to the development of aortic aneurysms include:
Typically, aortic aneurysms are caused by high blood pressure or a sudden injury. Smoking, traumatic injuries, or genetic factors can all contribute to an aortic aneurysm.
We find most aortic aneurysms are discovered accidentally during CT and MRI scans for other medical problems. When an aortic aneurysm is suspected, your provider may order the following tests for an accurate diagnosis:
Abdominal Ultrasound
This non-invasive test can be used to screen (detect) an abdominal aortic aneurysm and estimate the overall size of your aneurysm.
It is not a good option for thoracic aortic aneurysms because the chest cavity is too large for them to be accurate.
CT or MRI Scan
Scanning the abdomen, chest, and pelvis with a CT or MRI scan accompanied by contrast dye can further enhance the characteristics of aneurysms and provide greater detail for your vascular surgeon to monitor the growth. It also allows them to make plans for surgical repair of your aneurysm, if necessary.
Your treatment team at Rochester Regional Health is filled with expert providers trained extensively in treating conditions like arterial and venous aortic aneurysms both medically and surgically.
The goal of treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm is to prevent your aneurysm from rupturing. Your treatment may include watchful waiting or surgery. Your surgeon will recommend the right treatment for you based on an individualized assessment of your health and the size of your aneurysm.
The end goal for a thoracic aortic aneurysm is to prevent it from growing and rupturing. Your provider will recommend the best treatment for you based on your aneurysm's size and how quickly it is growing. Your treatment may include watchful waiting or surgery.