A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the thoracic section of the aorta caused by degenerative changes in the middle layer of the aortic wall. It is accompanied by the dilation of the aortic valve leaflets.
Causes of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
A thoracic aortic aneurysm may be caused by accompanying diseases:
- Atherosclerosis – deposits of single or multiple foci of lipid, primarily cholesterol deposits, known as plaques. Their growth leads to deformation of the vessel wall and narrowing of its lumen.
- Aortitis – inflammation of the aortic wall.
- Marfan syndrome.
- Syphilis.
- Tuberculosis.
As well as negative external factors:
- Being male.
- Smoking.
- Age (patients aged 40 to 60 years).
- High blood pressure.
- Low physical activity or lack thereof.
- Obesity.
Diagnosis of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Israel
The first symptom often is aortic valve insufficiency. Upon examination, characteristic pain is found in the back, chest, neck, jaw, as well as cough, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms depend on the location of the thoracic aortic aneurysm, its size, and the degree of dissection of the vessel wall.
At Ichilov clinic, thorough diagnostics are conducted using the latest medical equipment and systems:
- Radiological examination of the patient's chest.
- Recording of echocardiogram and electrocardiogram.
- Transthoracic ultrasound.
- Angiography in 2 projections.
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography.
- Contrast aortography.
No less important in diagnosing such a condition as thoracic aortic aneurysm in Israel is the consultation of highly qualified specialists: a cardiac surgeon, anesthesiologist, and interventional radiologist at Ichilov clinic.
Treatment of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in Israel
Conservative, particularly medication treatment is ineffective. Treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm requires exclusively surgical intervention. Stents are individually ordered for each patient. After their receipt, surgery is performed lasting no less than 3 hours.
Surgical intervention can be performed in 2 ways:
- Endovascular technique. The stent is inserted through a previously made small puncture. It is usually introduced via a catheter into the femoral artery. The catheter is in a folded state and is controlled by X-ray imaging. Upon reaching the aneurysmal zone, it unfolds. By implanting the stent into the wall of the aorta, uninterrupted blood flow is achieved, which does not exert pressure on the damaged area of the vessel.
- Open surgery. After making an incision in the chest, a vascular prosthesis is implanted. Since thoracic aortic aneurysm often presents in conjunction with valve pathology, correction or surgical revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting) is performed during the operation. The risk of mortality during the operation is estimated to range from 5% to 15% according to various forecasts. Meanwhile, a thoracic aortic aneurysm that has not been treated in Israel has a mortality rate of 50%.