Thoracic Aneurysm - An Insight

Introduction

An aneurysm is the weakening and ballooning of an artery, especially the aorta. The entire artery does not swell; instead, only a part of it does. An aneurysm may form in the brain, behind the knee, or the spleen. At times, aneurysms are fatal. Most of the time, they have no symptoms until and unless they rupture. A thoracic aneurysm refers to an abnormal enlargement of the branch of the aorta that is present in the chest. Aorta is a major blood vessel of the heart that pumps and supplies blood to the entire body. The aorta starts running from the heart through the center of the body, mainly the chest. In case the aorta gets ruptured in the lower portion, a thoracic aneurysm starts to form, which can easily lead to life-threatening internal bleeding. On the basis of the size of the aneurysm as well as the speed with which the aneurysm or abnormal growth is being expanded, treatment differs from watchful waiting to initiate an emergency invasive surgical treatment.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Thoracic Aneurysm?

A thoracic aneurysm enlarges over a long period of time, with or without any specific noticeable signs or symptoms. This is why detecting thoracic aneurysms are quite a difficult task for the majority of healthcare providers. It should also be noted that several aneurysms may never rupture throughout the life of an individual and thus may never be diagnosed because such aneurysms start small and stay small. On the other hand, there are aneurysms that may grow larger over a short span and, thus, quite quickly.

Mentioned below are some of the clinical manifestations of thoracic aneurysms.

• Deep pain in the side of the chest.

• Fever.

• Generalized palpitations.

• Shortness of breath.

• Pain in the lower part of the legs.

• Clammy skin.

• Profuse sweating.

• Dizziness.
  

• Vomiting.

• Increased heart rate.

• Constantly feeling nauseous.

• Fainting and lightheadedness.

• Intense and persistent chest pain.

• Sudden onset of pain in the chest that radiates to the back.

• Difficulty while swallowing.

• Loss of consciousness.

• A drastic drop in blood pressure.

• Coughing.

• Hoarseness of voice.

• Pain in the upper back.

• Discomfort in the jaws.

• Ripping or tearing feeling in the chest.

• A noticeable bulge on the chest.

What Are the Causes of Thoracic Aneurysms?

In the majority of cases, thoracic aneurysms tend to grow within the lower part of the aorta or the part of the chest. There are multiple aspects that can play a crucial role in the formation as well as the development of a thoracic aneurysm.

Males, people above 6five years, as well as the white race, have been studied to be more prone to aneurysms. Mentioned below are some of the causes of thoracic aneurysms.

• Solidification of the arteries or atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis starts to develop when substances such as fat build up in the lining of arteries and veins.

• High blood pressure has the tendency to weaken as well as damage the walls of the aorta over time.

• Blood vessel diseases lead to prolonged inflammation of the blood vessels.

• Infection in the aorta, such as a bacterial or fungal infection.

• Trauma, such as being severely injured during an accident, may lead to the formation of a thoracic aneurysm.

• Deep wounds.

• A habit of smoking.

• Vasculitis or vascular inflammation.

• Generalized long-term infection in the body.

• Increased use of cocaine.

• Amphetamine administration.

• Congenital weakened arterial walls.

• Abnormal blood flow at any arterial junction.

• Family history of thoracic aneurysm.

• Strong emotions.

• Unaddressed stress.

• Presence of blood clots.

How Is Thoracic Aneurysm Diagnosed?

There are various tests that are done in order to determine the presence of a thoracic aneurysm. Diagnosis is based on a complete history and physical examination of the patient. A routine visit to the healthcare provider may include a blood pressure check, listening to arteries of the neck and knees, as well as palpating the chest for any mass.

Mentioned below are some of the other diagnostic tests.

• Ultrasound chest.

• Computed tomography chest.

• Computed tomography heart.

• Magnetic resonance imaging.
  

• Electrocardiography.

• Echocardiography.

How Is Thoracic Aneurysm Treated?

The treatment of thoracic aneurysms depends on several factors. In case the aneurysm has a risk of bursting, medication therapy is advised. Endovascular procedures may also be suggested according to the size, location, and kind of aneurysm. One of the management options for a thoracic aneurysm is surgical intervention. But this is possible only when there is no danger to the aneurysm. Then, drugs to treat the underlying cause may be prescribed. A wait-and-see approach is generally taken up since the growth of the aneurysm is under monitoring during this period.

How Is Thoracic Aneurysm Prevented?

• Controlling blood pressure has proven to be one of the best ways to keep thoracic aneurysms or any other kind of aneurysm at bay.

• Regular exercise and following a heart-smart diet are necessary.

• One should invest in quitting the habit of smoking and using other tobacco products.

• Keeping a check on cholesterol levels is also mandatory for a healthy lifestyle.

What Is the Prognosis of Thoracic Aneurysm?

The prognosis of a thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) depends on the size of the aneurysm, the location of the aneurysm, and the presence of any other medical conditions.

• Aneurysms that are less than five centimeters in diameter have a good prognosis. The risk of rupture is low, and most people with these aneurysms can live a normal life without any treatment.

• Aneurysms that are five centimeters or larger have a higher risk of rupture. The risk of rupture increases as the aneurysm gets larger. People with aneurysms that are five centimeters or larger may need to have surgery to repair the aneurysm.

• Aneurysms that are located in the ascending aorta have a higher risk of rupture than aneurysms that are located in the descending aorta. The ascending aorta is a more critical part of the aorta, and a rupture in this area can be fatal.

• People with other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, smoking, or a family history, are at an increased risk of rupture. These people may need to have surgery to repair the aneurysm even if it is smaller than five centimeters in diameter.

Conclusion

A thoracic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the heart vessel, especially the aorta. The aorta is one of the most vital blood vessels of the heart and is also the thickest, strongest blood vessel due to the nature of its function. A thoracic aneurysm may occur due to a variety of reasons. A long-standing case of untreated hypertension is the leading cause of the development of a thoracic aneurysm. Treatment includes medication therapy as well as surgical correction, but the management modality highly depends on several aspects of the aneurysm. Regular visits to the healthcare provider, keeping vital signs in check, and living a heart-healthy as well as active lifestyle are key factors to avoiding the development and formation of thoracic aneurysms.