Thoracic aortic aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is a stretched and bulging area in the wall of the aorta. The aorta is the large artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A thoracic aortic aneurysm happens in the section of the aorta that is in the chest.
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are also known as ascending or descending aortic aneurysms.
Current as of: November 21, 2017
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Jeffrey J. Gilbertson, MD - Vascular Surgery
