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Thoracic aortic aneurysm history and symptoms

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohammad Salih, MD.

Overview

Overview

Most thoracic aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally on imaging studies. The development of symptoms can indicate that the thoracic aortic aneurysm is expanding. When symptoms are present, they are generally due to compression of adjacent structures. These compressive symptoms include dysphagia (compression of the esophagus), dyspnea and chronic cough (compression of the airway), or hoarseness (compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve).

History and Symptoms

History and Symptoms

Ascending Aorta Aneurysm

Thoracic Aortic Arch Aneurysm

Descending Aorta Thoracic Aneurysm

2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Thoracic Aortic Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[1]

2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Thoracic Aortic Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[1]

History and Physical Examination for Thoracic Aortic Disease (DO NOT EDIT)[1]

Class I
1. For patients presenting with a history of acute cardiac and noncardiac symptoms associated with a significant likelihood of thoracic aortic disease, the clinician should perform a focused physical examination, including a careful and complete search for arterial perfusion differentials in both upper and lower extremities, evidence of visceral ischemia, focal neurological deficits, a murmur of aortic regurgitation, bruits, and findings compatible with possible cardiac tamponade.[2][3][4] (Level of Evidence: C)
References

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Hiratzka LF, Bakris GL, Beckman JA, Bersin RM, Carr VF, Casey DE; et al. (2010). “2010 ACCF/AHA/AATS/ACR/ASA/SCA/SCAI/SIR/STS/SVM guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with Thoracic Aortic Disease: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American College of Radiology, American Stroke Association, Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists, Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society of Interventional Radiology, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and Society for Vascular Medicine”. Circulation. 121 (13): e266–369. doi:10.1161/CIR.0b013e3181d4739e. PMID 20233780.
  2. Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.
  3. Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, et al. Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia: 2007.
  4. Isselbacher E. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008.

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