Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2025
06:08
Ultrasound Imaging of the Thoracic and Abdominal Aorta in Mice to Determine Aneurysm Dimensions
Published on: March 8, 2019
19.5K
Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm size at presentation and growth by diameter
W A Pace1, K Smith1, A Gamboa2
1Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Ave, Room S-321, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Clinical Radiology
|October 13, 2023
Summary
Lung cancer screening may lead to earlier detection of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAAs). Larger aTAAs grow fastest, but medium-sized aneurysms show slower growth rates.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAAs) are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Early identification and monitoring of aTAA growth are crucial for timely intervention.
- Lung cancer screening programs provide opportunities for incidental detection of thoracic pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if lung cancer screening facilitates earlier identification of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms (aTAAs).
- To investigate the relationship between aTAA size and its growth rate.
- To compare aTAA presentation size before and after the implementation of lung cancer screening guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of computed tomography (CT) data from 732 patients over a 20-year period.
- Identification and measurement of aTAAs (>39 mm) from CT scans.
- Comparison of aTAA diameters based on year of presentation and analysis of growth rates in patients with serial CT examinations.
Main Results:
- Patients with aTAAs identified before December 2013 had significantly larger initial diameters compared to those identified later.
- The overall average growth rate of aTAAs was 0.1 mm/year.
- The fastest growth rate (1.9 mm/year) was observed in the largest aTAAs (≥55 mm), while smaller aTAAs (<40 mm) grew at 0.2 mm/year, and those measuring 45-49 mm showed the slowest growth.
Conclusions:
- Lung cancer screening may contribute to earlier detection of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms.
- Aneurysm size influences growth rate, with larger aneurysms exhibiting faster expansion.
- A specific size range (45-49 mm) demonstrated the slowest growth rate among the studied groups.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
10
Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
10
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
9
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
9
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
12
An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
12
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
22
Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
22
01:14The Aorta
890
The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. It originates from the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen, where it splits into two smaller arteries. Structurally, it can be divided into four main parts: the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
The average diameter of the aorta is approximately 2-3 cm, but the size can vary depending on the section of the aorta and the individual's age, sex, and body size. The aorta is...
890
01:15Thoracic Aorta
512
The thoracic section of the aorta begins at the T5 vertebra and extends to the T12 level at the diaphragm, initially progressing through the mediastinum to the left of the spinal column. Throughout its course in the thoracic segment, the thoracic aorta emits various offshoots known collectively as visceral and parietal branches. The branches that predominantly supply blood to visceral organs are termed visceral branches and include bronchial, pericardial, esophageal, and mediastinal arteries,...
512