Thoracic aortic aneurysm

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Aortic rupture, chest X-ray

Heart, section through the middle

Aortic aneurysm - thoracic; Syphilitic aneurysm; Aneurysm - thoracic aortic

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 mean sudden widening or leakage of the aneurysm.

The physical examination is often normal. A chest x-ray and chest CT scan show if the aorta is enlarged. A chest CT scan shows the size 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) can identify the aneurysm and any branches of the aorta that may be involved.

Review Date: 07/05/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.