Thoracic aortic aneurysms may be caused by different disease processes, especially in respect to their location. Examples of different locations of thoracic aortic aneurysms and their causes may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ascending Thoracic Aneurysm
- cystic medial degeneration (necrosis): breaking down of the tissue of the aortic wall. This is the most common cause of this type of thoracic aortic aneurysm.
- genetic disorders which affect the connective tissue, such as Marfan's syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm with no incidence of Marfan's syndrome
- atherosclerosis: hardening of the arteries caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. This is a rare cause of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm.
- infection, syphilis (rare causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm)
Aortic Arch Thoracic Aneurysm
- Takayasu's arteritis: a type of vasculitis that causes inflammation of the arteries
- atherosclerosis
- continuation of an ascending and/or descending aortic aneurysm
Descending Thoracic and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm - Atherosclerosis is most often associated with descending aneurysms and is thought to play an important role in aneurysmal disease. The following risk factors associated with atherosclerosis such as:
- age (greater than 55)
- male gender
- family history (first-degree relatives such as father or brother)
- genetic factors
- hyperlipidemia (elevated fats in the blood)
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- smoking
- diabetes
- congenital or genetic causes for weakness of the artery wall (present from birth)
- changes in the aorta due to advanced age
- connective tissue disorders such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- inflammation of the aorta
- hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) where fat, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque) clog the arteries
- injury from falls or motor vehicle accidents
- untreated infection such as syphilis or salmonella
This content originally appeared online in "The Patient Guide to Heart, Lung, and Esophageal Surgery" from the Society of Thoracic Surgery.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.