Back to Conditions and TreatmentThoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm
What is a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is bulging and weakness in the wall of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) as it extends from the chest area into the abdomen. The aorta delivers blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm can burst, which can cause life-threatening uncontrolled bleeding.
Causes
Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries caused by a buildup of fatty substances, plaque and other elements) plays a key role in the development of thoracoabdominal aneurysms.
Risk Factors
- Being older than 60
- Male gender
- Family history of an aortic aneurysm
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Genetic disorders (including connective tissue disorders such as Marfan´s syndrome)
What are the Symptoms?
- Severe or dull pain in the abdomen, chest, lower back or groin
- Sharp, sudden pain in the back or abdomen (may signal a rupturing aneurysm)
How is a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?
- Computed Tomography (CT) scan: X-ray slices of the aorta are taken to determine if there are any aneurysms.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Radio waves and magnetic fields are used to show areas where an aneurysm may be present.
- Angiography: A dye is inserted into the arteries through a catheter, then an X-ray is taken to show how blood flows through the arteries and whether any aneurysms are present. UVA´s angiography/interventional radiology suites are equipped with technology that allows for 3-D images of aneurysms to help determine the best plan of treatment.
- Echocardiogram or transesophageal cardiogram: An exam that evaluates the structure and function of the heart, arteries and other structures in the chest through sound waves recorded on an electronic sensor. A transesophageal cardiogram is performed by inserting an ultrasound probe into the esophagus.
Treatment at UVA's Heart and Vascular Center
- Close monitoring: A patient may undergo regular screenings to check the size and growth of the thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm to determine if treatment is necessary.
- Lifestyle changes: Steps such as quitting smoking, controlling diabetes and eating a low-fat diet to reduce cholesterol levels may help keep the aneurysm from growing.
- Medication: A patient may receive medicine to reduce cholesterol or high blood pressure.
- Surgery: Surgeons may use a graft (a cylinder-like tube) to repair the aneurysm. UVA has been a pioneer in minimally invasive endovascular techniques (only requiring a small incisions) to repair thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. In some cases, open surgery (requiring a larger incision in the chest) may be necessary to repair the aneurysm.