Our vascular team provides the highest level of care to prevent life-threatening complications from aortic aneurysms.
Medically reviewed by Mimmie Kwong, M.D. on June 29, 2023.
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened spot in the wall of your aorta (the largest artery in your body). As blood flows through your aorta, it pushes against the weak spot and forms a bulge. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are aortic aneurysms that occur in the section of your aorta that runs through your chest.
Without proper and prompt treatment, thoracic aortic aneurysms can lead to life-threatening complications, such as aortic dissection and rupture (complete tear in the aorta).
The UC Davis Vascular Center provides expert care every step of the way for thoracic aortic aneurysms. We strive to detect vascular health conditions early to provide the best possible care and prevent complications. In emergency situations, we offer the most advanced treatments to provide lifesaving interventions.
You may not feel symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm right away. But as the aneurysm grows, symptoms can develop. It is dangerous to dismiss symptoms, so be sure to let your physician know right away if you notice any.
The sooner you get an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment to protect yourself from serious complications.
Let your physician know if you experience any of these symptoms:
Call 911 immediately if you experience the following symptoms:
A thoracic aortic aneurysm can be caused by a medical condition or physical trauma (like an accident) that weakens your aorta, including:
Certain inherited (genetic) conditions can cause aortic aneurysms, including:
Medical conditions that can cause fatty buildup (plaque) or hardening of the walls of your aorta can lead to thoracic aortic aneurysms. These conditions include:
Sometimes, an untreated bacterial infection can lead to a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Conditions that can cause inflammation in your aorta can lead to thoracic aortic aneurysms. These include:
Rarely, traumatic injuries from car accidents or falls that impact your chest can cause a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
There are several things that can increase your risk for thoracic aortic aneurysm, including:
People over age 65 are more likely to have a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
You are more likely to have an aortic aneurysm if other members of your family have had one.
Certain lifestyle choices can increase your risk of aortic aneurysm, including:
Getting an early and accurate diagnosis for a thoracic aortic aneurysm helps prevent life-threatening complications. The UC Davis Vascular Laboratory is accredited in all areas of testing, offering expert diagnostics for all types of vascular conditions.
To diagnose an aortic aneurysm, your specialist will do a physical exam and ask you about your medical history and symptoms. To rule out other conditions and make the most accurate diagnosis, they may recommend imaging tests, including:
UC Davis Health takes a team approach to management with partnership between vascular surgeons, cardiovascular specialists and radiologists.
Treatment options for thoracic aortic aneurysms include:
Your physician may prescribe medications for health conditions that can cause aneurysms to grow or rupture. These include medications to lower blood pressure (beta blockers) and cholesterol (statins).
If an aneurysm is small, your physician may recommend doing regular follow-up exams with imaging tests. This will help your physician notice any changes in the aneurysm as soon as possible.
Your physician may recommend surgery if your aneurysm measures 2 inches or more. Most people with thoracic aortic aneurysms have one of these surgeries:
A healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk of aortic aneurysm as well as many other vascular conditions. This includes:
6-10 in 100KPeople have a thoracic aortic aneurysm
20%Of all cases are linked to a family history
Source: Society for Vascular Surgery: Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
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