Your Trusted Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)Treatment and Prevention Experts In South Dakota
What is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)
A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta, the largest artery in the body, becomes enlarged inside the chest cavity. As the aorta enlarges, the vessel wall weakens and becomes vulnerable to rupture or tear.
Most TAA are diagnosed after routine imaging of the chest, such as a CT scan or echocardiogram. Potential complications include life-threatening rupture or tearing of the vessel wall, called aortic dissection.
Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)
The majority of TAA do not cause symptoms. Most TAA never require surgery. Only when the aneurysm becomes very large do symptoms tend to occur. They include:
- Chest pain, sometimes migrating to the neck or jaw
- Back pain, usually between the shoulder blades
- Shortness of breath
- Cough or voice changes
- Trouble swallowing
- Very high or very low blood pressure
- Fainting, loss of consciousness
Causes of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)
The most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) is hardening of the arteries, called atherosclerosis. High blood pressure is also a common cause. Other potential causes include:
Genetic mutations, which typically run in families, may increase the likelihood of TAA. Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos (EDS), Turner Syndrome, and Loeys-Dietz syndrome are associated with aortopathies such as TAA.
An abnormal aortic valve, called bicuspid aortic valve, is associated with an increased risk of TAA.
Rare inflammatory conditions may increase the risk of TAA.
Risk Factors of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)
Smoking
High blood pressure
Abnormal aortic valve
Age greater than 60-65
atherosclerosis
Family history
Diagnosis of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)
Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is usually discovered by accident during an imaging test of the chest or heart such as a CT scan or echocardiogram. In these patients, routine surveillance imaging with CT and ultrasound will be required. Rarely, patients may present to the Emergency Department with severe pain and require emergency surgery.
- Echocardiogram. This painless test uses sound waves to examine the heart and aorta. Accurate measurements can be made to determine the exact size of the aneurysm (TAA).
- CT Imaging. CT uses X-rays to create a 3-D image of the heart and aorta to determine the size and location of the aneurysm. IV contrast is often used during this test.
- Cardiac MRI. This special MRI also creates a 3-D image of the heart and aorta, and is a complementary imaging test performed in some patients.
Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)
For most patients, a thoracic aortic aneurysm can be monitored over time. In some patients, medicine and surgery may be required. If the aneurysm grows to 4.5-5.5 cm in diameter, surgery is often recommended to prevent aortic rupture and sudden death.
Medications such as beta blockers and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) can be used to control blood pressure and prevent enlargement of the aneurysm.
A heart surgeon surgically removes the aneurysm and sews in a synthetic tube called a graft. This prevents sudden death.
For some patients, a less-invasive option to repair the aneurysm is available. A small metal tube, called a stent graft, is inserted into the aorta through small incisions in the groin. The stent graft covers the aneurysm to prevent it from rupturing.
Experienced Care for Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) Symptoms in the Black Hills
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm, or if you have a history of an enlarged aorta, please call Black Hills Heart and Vascular at (605) 503-8192 to schedule an appointment.
