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* The aortic aneurysms associated with [[Marfan syndrome]] grow at a faster rate and are more prone to rupture.
* The aortic aneurysms associated with [[Marfan syndrome]] grow at a faster rate and are more prone to rupture.
* Most thoracic aneurysms are asymptomatic. However, the enlarging aorta can compress adjacent organs and cause symptoms like [[chest pain]], [[dyspnea]], [[hoarseness]] of voice, [[cough]] and [[dysphagia]]. Also symptoms of [[congestive heart failure]] can occur from severe [[aortic regurgitation]] and congestion of head, neck and upper extremities from [[superior vena cava]] compression.
* Most thoracic aneurysms are asymptomatic. However, the enlarging aorta can compress adjacent organs and cause symptoms like [[chest pain]], [[dyspnea]], [[hoarseness]] of voice, [[cough]] and [[dysphagia]]. Also symptoms of [[congestive heart failure]] can occur from severe [[aortic regurgitation]] and congestion of head, neck and upper extremities from [[superior vena cava]] compression.
===Elastin and collagen===
* Increased activity of certain enzymes causes degradation of [[elastin]] and [[collagen]] in the arteries. This weakens the aortic wall and causes it to dilate.


===Gross Pathology===
===Gross Pathology===

Revision as of 18:45, 19 October 2012

Thoracic aortic aneurysm Microchapters

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Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

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Screening

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Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

History and Symptoms

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General Approach to Imaging in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

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CT

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

An aneurysm occurs when a part or entire circumference of the vessel is pathologically dilated. A true aneurysm involves all three layers of the vessel, whereas pseudoaneurysm is characterized by disruption of the intima and media, and the dilated segment of the aorta is lined by adventitia alone.

Pathophysiology

  • The clinical manifestations of thoracic aortic aneurysms depends on hemo-dynamic factors as well as factors intrinsic to individual arterial components.
  • Cystic medial necrosis is the most common pathology associated with ascending aortic aneurysms, whereas atherosclerosis is most frequently involved in the arch and descending aorta.
  • The aortic aneurysms associated with Marfan syndrome grow at a faster rate and are more prone to rupture.
  • Most thoracic aneurysms are asymptomatic. However, the enlarging aorta can compress adjacent organs and cause symptoms like chest pain, dyspnea, hoarseness of voice, cough and dysphagia. Also symptoms of congestive heart failure can occur from severe aortic regurgitation and congestion of head, neck and upper extremities from superior vena cava compression.

Elastin and collagen

  • Increased activity of certain enzymes causes degradation of elastin and collagen in the arteries. This weakens the aortic wall and causes it to dilate.

Gross Pathology

Images shown below are courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology






















References

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