Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Thoracic aortic aneurysms are not true tumors, but rather outward bulging of one or more areas of the aorta due to various causes, resulting in changes resembling a "tumor." Thoracic aortic aneurysm refers to aneurysms occurring in the aortic sinuses, ascending aorta, aortic arch, or descending aorta. It is a degenerative change in which part of the thoracic aorta abnormally dilates, deforms, and protrudes in a tumor-like manner. Thoracic aortic aneurysms can be classified as: 1. Ascending aortic aneurysm, from the aortic root to the origin of the innominate artery, which may be complicated by aortic valve insufficiency. 2. Aortic arch aneurysm, from the innominate artery to the left subclavian artery. 3. Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, from the left subclavian artery to the segment of the aorta at the diaphragm. 4. Lower descending thoracic aorta, from the lower descending thoracic aorta to the upper abdominal aorta. The predilection sites in order are the descending aorta, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and thoracoabdominal aorta.