Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Measurement of Pulse Propagation Velocity, Distensibility and Strain in an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Mouse Model
Published on: February 23, 2020
Symptoms plus family history trump size in thoracic aortic aneurysm
John A Elefteriades1, Maryann Tranquilli, Umer Darr
1Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. john.elefteriades@yale.edu
Abstract:
A 43-year-old woman presented with chest pain of unclear cause. The patient's mother and brother had suffered aortic dissection. Echocardiography had shown mild dilatation of the ascending aorta at 4.0 cm. Echocardiogram and magnetic resonance imaging were negative for dissection. The patient was taken to the operating room on the basis of her painful symptoms and her family history. Unexpectedly, a localized dissection was found in the ascending aorta (see Fig 2), which was too small for imaging detection. Without preemptive surgery, full-fledged dissection would have likely occurred with attendant short and long-term consequences. This case emphasizes that size criteria pertain to asymptomatic patients, and symptomatic patients with aneurysm require resection regardless of size.
Related Concept Videos
Thoracic Aorta
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management
Aneurysm I: Introduction
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

