Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Heart, section through the middle Aortic rupture, chest X-ray

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Most patients have no symptoms until the aneurysm begins to leak or expand. Most non-leaking thoracic aortic aneurysms are detected by tests -- usually a chest X-ray or a chest CT scan -- run for other reasons. Chest or back pain may indicate acute expansion or leakage of the aneurysm.

The physical examination is often normal. A chest X-ray and chest CT scan demonstrate enlargement of the aorta. A chest CT scan identifies the diameter of the aorta and the exact location of the aneurysm.

An aortogram (a special set of X-ray images made during injection of dye into the aorta) may also identify the location and extent of the aneurysm and identify any branch arteries of the aorta that are also involved.

Email this page  Printer friendly  Bookmark this page