A thoracic 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.
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By
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Healthwise Staff |
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Primary Medical Reviewer
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E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
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David A. Szalay, MD - Vascular Surgery |
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Last Revised
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February 22, 2012 |