Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Aneurysms that coexist in both segments of the aorta (thoracic and abdominal)

Aetiology

  • Blood enters through the intima and splits the media
  • Type A - 2/3 of cases, involves ascending aorta (may also include descending aorta), associated with Marfans
  • Type B - 1/3 of cases, affects descending aorta only, occur secondary to atherosclerosis and (rarely now) syphilis

Clinical presentation

  • Presents as sudden tearing chest pain radiating to the back

Investigations

  • Imaging - CT or MRI

Management

  • Surgical management - operative repair, stenting, EVAR