Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Picture of a thoracic aortic aneurysm

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a stretched and bulging area in the wall of the aorta. The aorta is the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A thoracic aortic aneurysm happens in the section of the aorta that is in the chest.

Thoracic aortic aneurysms are also known as ascending or descending aortic aneurysms.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerDavid A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery
Last RevisedFebruary 22, 2012
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: February 22, 2012
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery

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