DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My friend was diagnosed with a thoracic aortic aneurysm. What causes this type of aneurysm, and how fast does it grow? Also, how are thoracic aortic aneurysms treated?
ANSWER: A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs when one or more areas along the wall of the aorta — the body's largest blood vessel — becomes weak or damaged. The aorta carries oxygen-filled blood from the heart to the body, including the brain. With time, the pressure of blood flowing through the weakened area can cause it to enlarge or bulge — typically without signs or symptoms.
Most commonly, bulges occur in the abdomen, called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, aneurysms also can develop closer to the heart in the chest area, and these aneurysms can develop in the ascending aorta or descending thoracic aorta.
