Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur equally among men and women, and increase in frequency with older age. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are sometimes associated with inherited conditions involving connective tissue, including Marfans syndrome and, less frequently, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Marfans syndrome has an incidence of 1 of 10,000 persons. In persons with Marfans syndrome, the wall of the aorta weakens and stretches. Thoracic AA are also associated with high 7 blood pressure. The incidence rate of thoracic aortic aneurysms is approximately 10.4 per 100,000 person-years. Aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the lining of the wall of the aorta. This can occur anywhere in the aorta but occurs more often in the thoracic aorta. It is associated with high blood pressure but can also occur from trauma. Aortic dissection can lead to aneurysm formation. The incidence rate of aortic dissection is estimated at 2.9 to 3.5 per 7 100,000 person-years. Approximately two-thirds of those with an aortic dissection are male.
Figure A shows a normal aorta. Figure B shows a thoracic aortic aneurysm (which is located behind the heart). Figure C shows an abdominal aortic aneurysm located below the arteries that supply blood to the kidneys. (Courtesy NHLBI, www.nhlbi.gov)
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