section name header

Information ⬇

Abnormal dilatation of the abdominal or thoracic aorta; in ascending aorta most commonly secondary to cystic medial necrosis (e.g., familial, Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV); aneurysms of descending thoracic and abdominal aorta are primarily atherosclerotic. Rare causes of aneurysms are infections (syphilitic, tuberculous, mycotic) and vasculitides (e.g., Takayasu's arteritis, giant cell arteritis).

History !!navigator!!

May be clinically silent, but thoracic aortic aneurysms can result in deep, diffuse chest pain, dysphagia, hoarseness, hemoptysis, dry cough; abdominal aneurysms may result in abdominal pain or thromboemboli to the lower extremities.

Physical Examination !!navigator!!

Abdominal aneurysms are often palpable, most commonly in periumbilical area. Pts with ascending thoracic aneurysms may show features of Marfan's syndrome (Chap. 427, HPIM-19).

Laboratory !!navigator!!

Suspect thoracic aneurysm by abnormal CXR (enlarged aortic silhouette) and confirm by echocardiography, contrast CT, or MRI. Confirm abdominal aneurysm by abdominal plain film (rim of calcification), ultrasound, CT, MRI, or contrast aortography. If clinically suspected, obtain serologic test for syphilis, especially if ascending thoracic aneurysm shows thin shell of calcification. Screening abdominal ultrasound to assess for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is recommended for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked, for individuals with a history of a thoracic aortic aneurysm, and for first degree relatives of pts with AAA.

Treatment: Aortic Aneurysm

Pharmacologic control of hypertension (Chap. 117. Hypertension) is essential, usually including a beta blocker. Surgical resection for symptoms, for large aneurysms (ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms >5.5 cm, descending thoracic aortic aneurysms >6.0 cm, or abdominal aortic aneurysm >5.5 cm), for persistent pain despite bp control, or for evidence of rapid expansion. In pts with Marfan's syndrome thoracic aortic aneurysms >5 cm usually warrant repair. Less invasive endovascular repair is an option for some pts with descending thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Outline

Outline ⬆

Section 8. Cardiology