When the aorta thoracic, the largest blood vessel in the human body, undergoes expansion of a sudden, we are faced with an aneurysm.
In these cases, it should act quickly. The swelling, in fact, causes a weakening of the vessel with the risk of a rupture, which can cause a bleeding internal, even deadly.
What are the causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm?
The causes are not well known; what is certain is that the aneurysm is generated as a result of a weakening of the vessel wall after an inflammation.
Experts talk about clogging of the arteries and loss of elasticity of the vessels, or of atherosclerosis.
In addition, there are risk factors, such as …
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Heredity
- Injury
What are the symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Most individuals with thoracic aortic aneurysm has no initial symptoms. In some cases, they occur slowly, without obvious signs that can raise the suspicion that a complications.
When the aneurysm expands, you may you experience:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing
What are the treatments indicated for thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Depending on the size and the speed with which the thoracic aortic aneurysm is growing, the treatment can vary depending on the case.
Aneurysms smaller than 5 cm in diameter and completely asymptomatic should be closely monitored with CT scan or chest ultrasound every 6 months. If necessary, in these cases it may be indicated prescription drugs able to reduce the risk of rupture.
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If the patient also presents a picture of hypertension, it is necessary to terminate particular attention, as the high pressure must be pharmacological controlled in order to reduce the risk of rupture. The drug therapies are usually constituted by …
- Beta-blockers: Able to lower blood pressure by slowing down the heart rate.
- The angiotensin receptor blockers: Your doctor may also prescribe these medications if beta blockers are not enough to control blood pressure.
- Statins: Useful for reducing the rate of cholesterol.
When the aneurism in presenting a bulge of larger or equal to 6 cm, usually prefers the surgery.
In cases of aneurysm rupture or dissection of the patient it should be treated with continuous infusion of sodium nitroprusside and immediately subjected to surgery. Surgical procedures to be performed in cases of aortic aneurysm consist essentially, in the repair of the damage.
Let us now see the various types of intervention to which it is possible to undergo as a result of aneurysm:
- Traditional surgery: This type of surgery involves replacing the aneurysmal segment with a synthetic graft through an incision in the chest.
- Endovascular surgery: In which is inserted a small metal scaffold (stent coated) inside the aorta which provides support to the weakened aorta inserted through tiny incisions in the femoral artery of the groin.