HWN Suggests

Guilt by association: paradigm for detecting a silent killer (thoracic aortic aneurysm)

Thoracic aortic aneurysm is asymptomatic in the vast majority of patients, usually being diagnosed via an imaging study carried out for another purpose (echocardiogram (ECHO) or CT scan). In the few patients who do have premonitory symptoms, these usually take the form of chest pain; if no other causes for chest pain are found, the pain can fairly be presumed to originate from the thoracic aneurysm. When aortic dissection does occur... because any branch of the aorta, from the coronary arteries to the iliacs, can be occluded by the dissection process, aortic dissection can resemble primary disease of literally any organ, thus earning the well-deserved reputation as ‘the great masquerader’

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Articles of Interest

What is a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA)?

In younger patients, TAA is often due to a genetic cause. These include connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys–Dietz syndrome, and vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome. Cystic medial degeneration can also be seen in TAAs that are not due to a specific connective tissue disorder but still have a genetic link.

Resources

The Marfan Foundation

The Marfan Foundation creates a brighter future for everyone affected by Marfan syndrome and related disorders.

Bicuspid Aortic Foundation

The Bicuspid Aortic Foundation is committed to promoting the well being of those affected by thoracic aortic disease and supporting the pioneering work of dedicated aortic physicians on the leading edge of treatment.

Society for Vascular Surgery

Also known as Thoracic Aneurysm, Descending Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic Aortic Dissection.

StatPearls

Thoracic aortic aneurysms require a prompt diagnosis as most patients are asymptomatic until dissection or rupture of the aorta occurs.