Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm

A thoracoabdominal aneurysm (TAA) is a bulging or expanding area of the section of the aorta (body's largest artery) that extends from the chest to the abdomen. Thoracoabdominal aneurysms can be one of the most complex aneurysms to treat due to their location.

The greatest concern with a TAA is that it may grow quickly and rupture or leak blood. Aneurysms that rupture can cause severe internal bleeding, which can be fatal. Fortunately, this condition can be successfully treated and cured when diagnosed prior to rupture.

Why Choose The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center?

The vascular surgeons at Ohio State's Wexner Medical Center have extensive experience with repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, including repair of complex cases.

What Is a Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm?

The aorta is the largest artery in your body, running from your heart through the middle of your chest and abdominal area. If the section of the aorta that extends from your chest to your abdomen becomes weakened, it may become engorged with blood, creating a bulge called an aneurysm.

The larger the aneurysm is, the greater the risk of it rupturing. A ruptured aneurysm puts you at risk for life-threatening internal bleeding. When TAA is detected before a problem develops, your doctor may monitor its growth. If the thoracoabdominal aneurysm is rapidly growing or large enough, surgical repair may be indicated.

Most people do not initially experience symptoms with thoracoabdominal aneurysm. However, the following symptoms may indicate that an aneurysm is present:

• Mass in the abdomen
• Pulsating in your abdomen (similar to a heartbeat)
• Sores, discoloration or pain on your feet (due to material shed from an aneurysm)
• Stiff or rigid abdomen
• Sudden, intense pain in your chest, abdomen or lower back (may signify an aneurysm that is about to rupture; seek immediate medical care)

A ruptured aneurysm is very dangerous and requires emergency medical care. Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include:

• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Drop in blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Pain

What Causes a Thoracoabdominal Aneurysm?

While the exact cause is unclear, thoracoabdominal aneurysm may be caused by multiple factors that damage the aortic wall. Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) is thought to play an important role. Infection, injury to the aorta and genetic disorders, including Marfan syndrome, are also factors that increase the risk of developing a thoracoabdominal aneurysm.

Other risk factors that contribute to TAA include:

• Family history
• Being male
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Older age
• Smoking

Many of these risk factors can be reduced or eliminated by changing your lifestyle.

Cardiologists

• Steven M. Dean, DO
• Richard Gumina, MD
• Albert Kolibash Jr., MD
• Sanjay Rajagopalan, MBBS
• Subha Raman, MD
• Talal Attar, MD
• Mary Breckenridge, MD
• Debbra Debaets, MD
• Barry George, MD
• Arsad Karcic, MD
• Lawrence Murcko, MD
• Timothy Obarski, DO

Vascular Surgeons

• Michael Go, MD 
• Maria Litzendorf, MD
• Mounir Joe Haurani, MD
• Jean Starr, MD
• Patrick Vaccaro, MD