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Epidemiology and Natural History of Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

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Thoraco-Abdominal Aorta

Abstract

In spite of their rarity, thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) present unique challenges. From a cellular perspective, TAAAs are associated with apoptosis of smooth muscle cells along with derangements in the molecular structure of elastin, collagen, and fibrillin. The risk of rupture increases with aortic diameter, with a dramatic increase at diameters >7.2 cm. Data from tertiary centers suggest TAAAs comprise 6% of all thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs). Genetics play an important role in aortic aneurysms. Ascending aortic aneurysms (AAAs) cluster in families, but TAAAs occur in families with a history of AAA. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension are associated with an increased risk of TAAAs rupture. Smoking is linked to the rate of aneurysm growth. We have just begun to understand the behavior of TAAA. Continued study will permit better identification of patients at risk of TAAA and the optimal timing of intervention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Cardiac Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

    Louis H. Stein & John A. Elefteriades

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  1. Louis H. Stein
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  2. John A. Elefteriades
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Vascular Surgery, “Vita-Salute” University, IRCCS H., San Raffaele, Milan, Italy

    Roberto Chiesa , Germano Melissano  & Alberto Zangrillo ,  & 

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Stein, L.H., Elefteriades, J.A. (2011). Epidemiology and Natural History of Thoraco-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. In: Chiesa, R., Melissano, G., Zangrillo, A. (eds) Thoraco-Abdominal Aorta. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-1857-0_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-1857-0_3

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-1856-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-1857-0

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