Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneursym

Advanced care for a potentially life-threatening condition

The aorta, the body’s largest artery, runs from the chest through the abdomen, or belly. A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, which extends through both the belly and the chest.

Our Complex Aortic Center is one of the few programs in the mid-Atlantic region that treats complex cases such as thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. We bring together heart and vascular surgeons to provide minimally invasive and more traditional surgical treatments.

A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm increases your risk of aortic rupture, in which the aneurysm bursts and can cause major internal bleeding. Aneurysms that don’t burst can be dangerous if they grow large enough to form blood clots or interfere with the blood’s circulation.

What are the symptoms of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm?

You may not experience any noticeable symptoms unless the aneurysm bursts or grows large enough to block blood flow or press against other areas of the body.

Before a rupture, symptoms can include:

• Severe or dull pain in the abdomen, chest, lower back or groin
• Sudden, sharp pain the back or abdomen

If a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, symptoms might include:

• Clammy, sweaty skin
• Dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting
• Lightheadedness
• Rapid heart rate
• Sudden, severe pain in the abdomen, chest or lower back

Call 911 right away if you think you have an aneurysm that has burst.

Tests

Diagnosing a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.

Treatments

Smaller thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms may only need close monitoring, medication to reduce cholesterol levels or lifestyle changes that may keep the aneurysm from growing, such as quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet. Larger aneurysms may require more advanced treatment, including surgery or minimally invasive stenting.