Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)

The aorta is shaped like an old-fashioned walking cane with the short stem of the curved handle coming out of the heart and curling through the aortic arch, which gives off branches to the head and arms. Then the aorta descends through the chest cavity into the abdomen and separates to provide blood to the abdominal organs and both legs. Thoracic aneurysms can occur anywhere along the aorta above the diaphragm, including the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending thoracic aorta.

Up to 25 percent of aortic aneurysms are thoracic. They can result from various connective tissue disorders (such as Marfan's syndrome), atherosclerosis, previous dissection of the aorta, prolonged high blood pressure (hypertension), and trauma (usually falls or motor vehicle accidents).