What is a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm?
A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened section of the thoracic aorta that bulges outwards. It can occur in the aorta as it leaves the heart and ascends into the arch (ascending aorta), within the aortic arch itself or in the aorta as it runs down from the aortic arch behind the heart towards the abdomen (descending aorta). Aneurysms can also occur in the aorta as it goes through the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysms).
