Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a bulge that develops in the part of your aorta that extends through your chest (thorax). You might hear it described as an expansion, ballooning or widening of your aorta. All of these words describe how an aneurysm disrupts the aorta’s normal, tube-like shape. A widened portion of your aorta qualifies as an aneurysm if it’s at least 50% wider than the normal aortic diameter. The precise “normal” size changes depending on the location.

An aneurysm can form anywhere along your aorta. Most form in the belly (abdominal aortic aneurysm), but about 1 in 4 form in the chest.

Small aneurysms may only need conservative treatment. This includes medications to manage underlying conditions and regular imaging tests. But if your aneurysm is larger or growing fast, you may need surgery to lower your risk of potentially fatal complications. Healthcare providers tailor treatment (and its timing) to your needs to give you the best chance of a good outcome.

How common are thoracic aortic aneurysms?

Thoracic aortic aneurysms affect about 6 to 10 in every 100,000 people. Researchers don’t know the exact number since many of these aneurysms cause no symptoms and may go undiagnosed. About 20% of known cases occur in people with a family history of the condition.

Ruptured aortic aneurysms and dissections lead to about 30,000 deaths per year in the U.S.