A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs when a section of the aorta becomes enlarged. The aorta is the major blood vessel in the human body that carries blood and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body.
When the aorta is weak, blood pushing against the vessel wall can cause it to bulge like a balloon, which is known as an aneurysm. In some severe cases, the aneurysm can cause the aorta to burst or rupture, leading to internal bleeding that can be fatal.
Therefore, it is necessary to seek medical attention from a thoracic surgeon in Dubai in cases of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Treatment may range from watchful waiting to surgery by a qualified thoracic surgeon.
Causes of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
There are various causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm. Individuals with a family history of this condition are at higher risk for developing it as well. However, there are also some diseases and infections that may cause thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Most common causes are as follows:
- Hardening of the arteries (medically known as Atherosclerosis)
- Degenerative disease that causes breakdown of the tissue of the aortic wall
- Genetic disorders (such as Marfan syndrome, Turner syndromes, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, etc.)
- Family history
- Problems with the heart’s aortic valve
- Untreated infection (rare) such as syphilis or salmonella
- Inflammation of the arteries (vasculitis)
- Traumatic injury
If you are at high risk of developing thoracic aortic aneurysm, it is important to seek medical attention. You may be referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon in Dubai for surgery or treatment.
Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Thoracic aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and usually without symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Many start small and stay small, although some expand over time.
Although unusual, some symptoms of a thoracic aortic aneurysm may include:
- Tenderness or pain in the chest
- Back pain
- Hoarseness
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Many people with aortic aneurysms do not have symptoms unless a tear or rupture occurs. A dissection or rupture is a medical emergency which may require immediate surgery performed by a thoracic surgeon in Dubai. In such cases, it is important to get medical assistance right away.
If an aneurysm ruptures or one or more layers of the artery wall tears, you may feel:
- Sharp, sudden pain in the upper back that radiates downward
- Pain in your chest, jaw, neck, or arms
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these sudden emergency symptoms, get emergency medical care right away.
Treatment – Is it Possible to Live with a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm?
Often, thoracic aortic aneurysms grow slowly and without symptoms. This makes it difficult to detect, and it is usually diagnosed by an echocardiogram or CT scan, as well as regular CT scans every 6 months or one year to monitor for growth.
Some aneurysms will never rupture, which means that in some cases individuals can live with the thoracic aortic aneurysm without realizing.
It is difficult to predict how fast an aneurysm may grow, so typically a cardiothoracic surgeon in Dubai will observe and perform surgery if and when required.
Once detected, treatment may include the following:
- Careful monitoring with CT scan, MRI, or echocardiogram
- Surgery depending on size and growth rate (open heart surgery, stenting, or Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR))
- Medications such as beta blockers, statins, or angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, losing weight if overweight, eating a healthy diet, avoiding lifting heavy weights, reducing blood pressure, etc.
It is important to coordinate with a doctor and cardiothoracic surgeon in Dubai in case of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. They will help determine the best treatment plan according to the size and growth rate of the aneurysm. If needed, a thoracic surgeon may perform surgery such as placing a stent, in order to prevent a future rupture.
Where to Find the Best Cardiothoracic Surgeon in Dubai UAE?
For the best thoracic surgeon in Dubai, visit Professor Dr. Uwe Klima at the German Heart Centre. Professor Dr. Uwe Klima is the leading cardiac-thoracic surgeon with extensive experience in treatment and surgery of a number of cardiac-thoracic conditions. He can provide diagnosis and the best course of treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Visit him at the German Heart Centre by booking an appointment today.