An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weak spot in the wall of the aorta begins to bulge, as shown in the image on the left. An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta. Having an aortic aneurysm increases the risk of a tear in the aortic lining aortic dissection , as shown in the image on the right. In aortic dissection, a tear occurs in the wall of the aorta.
This causes bleeding into and along the aortic wall and, in some cases, completely outside the aorta rupture.
An aortic dissection is a potential life-threatening emergency, depending on where in the aorta it occurs. It's important to treat an aortic aneurysm to try to prevent dissection.
If dissection occurs, people can still be treated with surgery, but they will have a higher risk of complications. Tears in the wall of the aorta and rupture of the aorta are the main complications of thoracic aortic aneurysm.
A ruptured aortic aneurysm can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. In general, the larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk of rupture. Another complication of aortic aneurysms is the risk of blood clots. Small blood clots can develop in the area of the aortic aneurysm. If a blood clot breaks loose from the inside wall of an aneurysm, it can block a blood vessel elsewhere in your body, possibly causing serious complications. Thoracic aortic aneurysm care at Mayo Clinic.
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Overview Thoracic aortic aneurysm Open pop-up dialog box Close. Thoracic aortic aneurysm A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the upper part of the aorta — the major blood vessel that feeds blood to the body. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection Open pop-up dialog box Close. Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weak spot in the wall of the aorta begins to bulge, as shown in the image on the left.
Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Aortic aneurysm. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed Dec. Pagon RA, et al. Aortic aneurysms may cause shortness of breath, a croaky or raspy voice, backache, or pain in your left shoulder or between your shoulder blades.
An aortic aneurysm in the stomach area may cause pain or tenderness. You may also have an upset stomach or feel less hungry. Aneurysms can be detected by physical exam, on a basic chest or stomach x-ray, or by using ultrasound. The size and location can be found through echocardiography or radiological imaging, such as arteriography, magnetic resonance imaging MRI , and computed tomography CAT or CT scanning.
Treatment depends on the size and location of your aneurysm and your overall health. Aortic aneurysms in the upper chest the ascending aorta are usually operated on right away. Aneurysms in the lower chest or the area below your stomach the descending thoracic and abdominal parts of the aorta may not be as life threatening. Aneurysms in these locations are watched for varying periods, depending on their size. Braverman AC, Schermerhorn M. Diseases of the aorta. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Aortic dissection: epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and medical and surgical management.
Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy. Lederle FA. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Editorial team. Aortic dissection. When a tear occurs, it creates 2 channels: One in which blood continues to travel Another where blood stays still If the channel with non-traveling blood gets bigger, it can push on other branches of the aorta.
The exact cause is unknown, but more common risks include: Aging Atherosclerosis Blunt trauma to the chest, such as hitting the steering wheel of a car during an accident High blood pressure Other risk factors and conditions linked to aortic dissection include: Bicuspid aortic valve Coarctation narrowing of the aorta Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and rare genetic disorders Heart surgery or procedures Pregnancy Swelling of the blood vessels due to conditions such as arteritis and syphilis Aortic dissection occurs in about 2 out of every 10, people.
Pain can be described as sharp, stabbing, tearing, or ripping. It is felt below the chest bone, and then moves under the shoulder blades or to the back. Pain can move to the shoulder, neck, arm, jaw, abdomen, or hips. The pain changes position, often moving to the arms and legs as the aortic dissection gets worse. Symptoms are caused by a decrease of blood flowing to the rest of the body, and can include: Anxiety and a feeling of doom Fainting or dizziness Heavy sweating clammy skin Nausea and vomiting Pale skin pallor Rapid, weak pulse Shortness of breath and trouble breathing when lying flat orthopnea Other symptoms may include: Pain in the abdomen Stroke symptoms Swallowing difficulties from pressure on the esophagus.
Exams and Tests. The exam may find: A "blowing" murmur over the aorta, heart murmur, or other abnormal sound A difference in blood pressure between the right and left arms, or between the arms and legs Low blood pressure Signs resembling a heart attack Signs of shock , but with normal blood pressure Aortic dissection or aortic aneurysm may be seen on: Aortic angiography Chest x-ray Chest MRI CT scan of chest with dye Doppler ultrasonography occasionally performed Echocardiogram Transesophageal echocardiogram TEE Blood work to rule out a heart attack is needed.
Aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition and needs to be treated right away. Dissections that occur in the part of the aorta that is leaving the heart ascending are treated with surgery. Dissections that occur in other parts of the aorta descending may be managed with surgery or medicines.
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