My uncle and I both have a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Will others in my family also have an aneurysm?
Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQMany patients with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms at younger ages (30s, 40s, 50s) have Marfan syndrome or a bicuspid aortic valve as the cause. However, there are other people who have aneurysms at a young age and it appears to run in their family. A number of such families have been studied and found to have a genetic abnormality that accounts for the aortic aneurysms. This is now called a familial thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome.
Related QuestionsWhat is a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Health InformationA thoracic aortic aneurysm, also called TAA, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body), resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width). The aorta extends upward from the top of the left ventricle of the heart in the chest area (ascending thoracic aorta), then curves like a candy cane (aortic arch) downward through the chest area (descending thoracic aorta) into the abdomen (abdominal aorta).
Related QuestionsWhat are the symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Health InformationThoracic aortic aneurysms may be asymptomatic (without symptoms) or symptomatic (with symptoms). Symptoms of a thoracic aneurysm may be related to the location, size, and growth rate of the aneurysm. Severe onset of pain associated with a thoracic aneurysm may be a sign of a life-threatening medical emergency.
Related QuestionsHow is a thoracic aortic aneurysm diagnosed?
Health InformationIn addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for a thoracic aortic aneurysm may include any, or a combination, of the following: computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body.
Related QuestionsWhat is an AORTIC ANEURYSM?
Aneurysm Outreach a non profit organizationThe aorta is the largest artery in the body. It starts at the heart and passes through the chest to the abdomen. Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta. Once an aneurysm has started to develop, it slowly expands in diameter over a period of several years. As an aneurysm grows larger, the wall of the artery thins. When the strength of the aneurysm wall becomes too weak the wall can break, resulting in a ruptured aneurysm.
Related QuestionsWhat causes a thoracic aortic aneurysm to form?
Health InformationThoracic aortic aneurysms may be caused by different disease processes, especially in respect to their location. Examples of different locations of thoracic aortic aneurysms and their causes may include, but are not limited to, the following: cystic medial degeneration (necrosis) - breaking down of the tissue of the aortic wall. This is the most common cause of this type of thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Related QuestionsWhat will my doctor do if my thoracic aortic aneurysm is not large enough to require surgery?
Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQWhen an aneurysm is not large enough that you need surgery, your doctor will treat you with medications to control your blood pressure and heart rate, in order to reduce the force of your blood against the wall of the aorta. The size of your aorta will be followed closely with repeated CT scan, MRI scans, or echocardiograms (ultrasound examination of the heart), to monitor for any growth. If the aneurysm grows large enough in size, surgery may then be recommend (see above).
Related QuestionsI have an aortic aneurysm and was wondering what the options were for treatment?
Questions and Answers about common vascular problems - Endov...There are several options for treatment of aortic aneurysms. Here again, understanding the risks and benefits of the different forms of treatment options are critical. For the remainder of the discussion we will consider aneurysms limited only to the abdomen in the most common configurations, and descending, ascending, and thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms will not be included.
Related QuestionsWho is at risk for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Individuals with the following characteristics are at risk for developing Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms:
Related QuestionsWhat is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
Frequently Asked Questions About Problems with Endovascular ...aortic aneurysm is a bulging or "ballooning" that forms in a weakened area of the aorta, the large artery that exits from the heart and carries blood to the rest of the body and to the other major arteries. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs in the part of the aorta in the abdomen, usually below the kidneys. Abdominal aortic aneurysms can sometimes leak or rupture, resulting in serious bleeding and possibly death.
Related QuestionsWhat is an aortic dissection? How is it different from an aneurysm?
Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQaortic dissection is a life-threatening condition that occurs at a rate of about 3 cases per 100,000 people per year. It involves a tearing away of the innermost lining of the aorta. It is not unlike when you put on an old winter coat, but as you slide your arm into the sleeve your fingers catch a tear in the sleeve’s lining, leading your arm into the space between the inner lining and the outer layer of the coat sleeve.
Related QuestionsWhat causes an aortic aneurysm?
Aortic Aneurysm, SVCMC; New York NYThe wall of the aorta is normally very elastic. It can stretch and then shrink back as needed to adapt to blood flow. But some medical problems, such as high blood pressure and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), weaken the artery walls. These problems, along with the wear and tear that naturally occurs with aging, can result in a weak aortic wall that bulges outward.
Related QuestionsHow is an aortic aneurysm diagnosed?
Aortic Aneurysm, SVCMC; New York NYAneurysms are often diagnosed by chance during exams or tests done for other reasons. In some cases, they are found during a screening test for aneurysms. Screening tests help your doctor look for a certain disease or condition before any symptoms appear. Experts recommend screening tests for aneurysms for men between the ages of 65 and 75 who have ever smoked. These men are more likely to have an aneurysm than are women or nonsmoking men.
Related QuestionsWhat is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Health Informationabdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA or triple A, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width).
Related QuestionsCan Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm be prevented?
Unique Imaging Solutions | Stroke InformationNo. Unfortunately abdominal aneurysms are also highly hereditary and should be detected before they can rupture.
Related QuestionsWhat causes an abdominal aortic aneurysm to form?
Health Informationabdominal aortic aneurysm may be caused by multiple factors that result in the breaking down of the well-organized structural components (proteins) of the aortic wall that provide support and stabilize the wall. The exact cause is not fully known.
Related QuestionsCould I have more than one aneurysm?
Frequently Asked QuestionsIn about 20% of people more than one aneurysm is found at the time of the angiogram. However, the haemorrhage will have only come from one of the aneurysms. The chance of an aneurysm rupturing if it has never bled before, is very small. If you have more than one aneurysm, your neurosurgeon will discuss this with you, and whether further surgery or treatment would be needed for any other aneurysms.
Related QuestionsWhat is an aneurysm and how is it treated?
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) - Texas Heart Institute Hea...aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel that can affect any large vessel in your body. An aneurysm happens when the pressure of blood passing through part of a weak blood vessel forces the vessel to bulge outward, forming what you might think of as a thin-skinned blister. Not all aneurysms are life threatening, but those found in the arteries in our bodies often need to be treated. If the bulging stretches the artery too far, this vessel may burst, causing a person to bleed to death.
Related QuestionsSaint John's Health Center - Frequently Asked Questionsaneurysm is a balloon-like bulge that can occur in blood vessels anywhere in the body. An aneurysm is created when the pressure of blood flowing through a weakened blood vessel forces part of the vessel to bulge outward. They usually form in the brain or the aorta (the main artery of the heart), and are often associated with other types of cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure. Not all aneurysms are life-threatening, and treatment depends on its size and location.Related Questions
Can I have some sort of stent instead of regular surgery to fix my aortic aneurysm?
Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQIn certain circumstances, and for certain aneurysms that do not involve the ascending aorta, there is a new technique known as stent graft repair. It is the equivalent of a minimally invasive approach for aneurysm repair. Such stent-graft procedures can only be performed at select medical centers by physicians specifically trained in this field.
Related QuestionsWhat is an aortic dissection?
Saint John's Health Center - Frequently Asked Questionsaortic dissection results when a split occurs in the wall of the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A dissection allows blood to flow between the inner and outer layers of the aortic vessel, potentially blocking blood flow to vital organs such as the brain. A dissection also places the aortic wall at increased risk for rupture, creating an acute, life-threatening condition that can only be treated by immediate surgery.
Related QuestionsWhy don’t you just operate to fix all thoracic aortic aneurysms, regardless of the size?
Aortic Aneurysm, Marfan Syndrome- Thoracic Aortic Center FAQThe surgery to repair aortic aneurysms carries a small but real risk. (This risk varies based on the patient’s age, the patient’s overall health condition, the location and extent of the aneurysm, and the volume of aortic procedures performed by the surgeon and at the center where the surgery is performed). When aneurysms are relatively small, the risk of an aortic tear or rupture is small (e.g., less than 1-2%), so the risk of surgery outweighs the risk of going without surgery.
Related QuestionsAneurysm: Subclavian Aneurysm FAQaneurysm is an abnormal dilation of a blood vessel. This involves all layers of the vessel wall. Aneurysms pose a risk to health due to their potential to rupture, thrombose or embolize. The most common blood vessels involved are the abdominal and thoracic aorta, and circle of Willis (brain). Aneurysms of the subclavian artery (under the clavicle) are uncommon, accounting for less than 1% of all peripheral aneurysms.Related Questions
What is endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy?
Hyperhidrosis FAQEndoscopic thoracic sympathectomy also called ETS is a surgical procedure that involves making minute incisions in the underarm to install titanium clips that block transmissions from the sympathetic nervous system to the sweat glands. Alternatively a minuscule cut is made at a strategic point in the sympathetic nervous system to interrupt the transmission of signals. The procedure takes very little time and is virtually painless because it is conducted under anesthesia.
Related QuestionsI have a thoracic disk herniation. What is the treatment regimen for this condition?
Frequently Asked QuestionsThoracic disc herniations are relatively rare compared to lumbar or cervical disc herniations. Surgical indications are intractable pain or a progressive neurologic deficit that correlates with the anatomical defect seen on imaging studies. Multiple symptomatic thoracic disc herniations are extremely uncommon. Non operative treatment is activity modifications, anti-inflammatory meds, pain control and a search for other causes of the pain.
Related QuestionsIs there any extra pressure on the aortic valve?
Sunshine Heart - Product Profile - FAQThe pressure on the aortic valve is expected to be lower when the C-Pulse deflates just prior to the heart ejecting blood, and higher when the aortic valve is closed and the C-Pulse inflates as the heart is re-filling. Overall, the average aortic pressure does not vary significantly from normal blood pressure.
Related Questions