A Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm is an expansion or ballooning of the section of the aorta within your chest that slowly degenerates. If the aneurysm is large, the risk for rupture increases, which can lead to damage to the aortic wall and bleeding. These types of Aneurysms are rare, however, occurring only in about 6 to 10 per every 100,000 people.
These aneurysms rarely cause any symptoms, however, if an aortic aneurysm grows large enough, it can compress nearby structures. For example, your voice may become hoarse or you may have difficulty swallowing.Â
Surgery will most likely be needed, but if the aneurysm is small enough, regular monitoring can be performed (every 6 months). A less invasive approach may be used to treat the Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, with a small device placed inside the aorta through a small incision or through puncture in the groin.
Learn more about the diagnosis and treatment here.
