Tętniak aorty piersiowej
Etiologia i przyczyny

Tętniak aorty piersiowej (TAP) definiowany jest jako poszerzenie światła aorty piersiowej o co najmniej 50% w stosunku do prawidłowej średnicy naczynia, będące wynikiem osłabienia ściany naczynia. Patogeneza TAP jest wieloczynnikowa i obejmuje procesy zapalne, proteolizę oraz zmniejszoną przeżywalność komórek mięśni gładkich. Miażdżyca stanowi najczęstszą przyczynę tętniaków w części zstępującej aorty, natomiast w odcinku wstępującym dominują zaburzenia tkanki łącznej i zwyrodnienie cysto-medialne. Kluczowe czynniki ryzyka to wiek >55-65 lat, płeć męska, nadciśnienie tętnicze, palenie tytoniu, hipercholesterolemia, cukrzyca oraz predyspozycje genetyczne. Genetyczne zespoły predysponujące do TAP obejmują m.in. zespół Marfana (mutacja FBN1), zespół Ehlersa-Danlosa typ naczyniowy (mutacja COL3A1), zespół Loeysa-Dietza oraz rodzinny tętniak aorty piersiowej (FTAAD). Mutacje w genach takich jak ACTA2, MYH11, TGFBR1/2, SMAD3/4, MYLK i PRKG1 odgrywają istotną rolę w etiologii TAP.

Etiologia tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Tętniak aorty piersiowej (TAP) to osłabienie ściany aorty w jej części piersiowej, prowadzące do nieprawidłowego poszerzenia lub wybrzuszenia jej światła o co najmniej 50% w stosunku do prawidłowej średnicy naczynia. To poważny stan chorobowy, który potencjalnie zagraża życiu pacjenta ze względu na ryzyko pęknięcia lub rozwarstwienia ściany aorty.12 Patogeneza tętniaka aorty piersiowej jest złożona i obejmuje różnorodne procesy, takie jak zapalenie, proteoliza oraz zmniejszona przeżywalność komórek mięśni gładkich w ścianie aorty. Powstanie tętniaka jest najczęściej wynikiem zaburzenia równowagi między enzymami proteolitycznymi a ich inhibitorami.34

Miażdżycowe przyczyny tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Miażdżyca (atherosclerosis) jest najczęstszą przyczyną tętniaków aorty piersiowej, szczególnie w części zstępującej aorty. Charakteryzuje się ona gromadzeniem się złogów tłuszczowych, cholesterolu i innych substancji w ścianie tętnicy, co prowadzi do jej sztywnienia i osłabienia.56 Proces miażdżycowy rozpoczyna się stosunkowo wcześnie, w młodym wieku, a złogi wewnątrz naczyń składają się głównie z lipidów.7 Należy jednak zauważyć, że chociaż miażdżyca jest często obecna u pacjentów z tętniakiem aorty piersiowej, może ona odgrywać jedynie niewielką rolę przyczynową w patogenezie rozwoju tętniaka, szczególnie w odcinku wstępującym aorty.89

Do czynników ryzyka miażdżycy, które jednocześnie zwiększają ryzyko rozwoju tętniaka aorty piersiowej, należą:1011

  • Wiek powyżej 55-65 lat
  • Płeć męska
  • Wywiad rodzinny (krewni pierwszego stopnia, tacy jak ojciec lub brat)
  • Czynniki genetyczne
  • Hiperlipidemia (podwyższony poziom tłuszczów we krwi)
  • Nadciśnienie tętnicze
  • Palenie tytoniu
  • Cukrzyca

1012

Genetyczne i dziedziczne przyczyny tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Znacząca część przypadków tętniaków aorty piersiowej ma podłoże genetyczne. Około 20% przypadków tętniaków aorty piersiowej wynika z predyspozycji genetycznych, a tętniaki u młodszych osób (poniżej 40. roku życia) najczęściej dotyczą aorty wstępującej i są związane z genetycznymi zaburzeniami tkanki łącznej.131415 Badania wykazały silny komponent genetyczny w powstawaniu tętniaków aorty – około 15% krewnych pierwszego stopnia pacjentów z tętniakami aorty również ma tętniaki, co sugeruje istotną rolę dziedziczonych zaburzeń tkanki łącznej.1617

Do głównych zespołów genetycznych predysponujących do rozwoju tętniaka aorty piersiowej należą:181920

  • Zespół Marfana – zaburzenie genetyczne powodowane przez mutację w genie FBN1, wpływające na produkcję fibryliny-1, kluczowego białka dla wytrzymałości i elastyczności tkanki łącznej
  • Zespół Ehlersa-Danlosa (typ naczyniowy) – rzadkie zaburzenie genetyczne spowodowane mutacją w genie COL3A1, wpływające na produkcję kolagenu typu III, który jest kluczowy dla integralności naczyń krwionośnych
  • Zespół Loeysa-Dietza – spowodowany mutacją w genach zaangażowanych w szlak sygnałowy TGF-β, prowadzi do nieprawidłowości w tkance łącznej
  • Zespół Turnera – zaburzenie chromosomalne, w którym jeden z chromosomów X jest częściowo lub całkowicie nieobecny; wiąże się z nieprawidłowościami strukturalnymi aorty
  • Rodzinny tętniak aorty piersiowej (FTAAD) – diagnozowany przy pozytywnym wywiadzie rodzinnym tętniaków i rozwarstwień aorty

212223

Zmutowane geny najczęściej dziedziczą się w sposób autosomalny dominujący, ale w niektórych przypadkach genetycznych tętniaków aorty występuje znaczący odsetek mutacji de novo. Na przykład w około 25% przypadków zespołu Marfana wariant genetyczny pojawia się po raz pierwszy u osoby dotkniętej chorobą, bez dowodów jego występowania w poprzednich pokoleniach.24

Wśród genów, których mutacje wiążą się z rozwojem tętniaków aorty piersiowej, szczególnie istotne są:2526

  • ACTA2 – kodujący alfa-aktynę mięśni gładkich, mutacje w tym genie są najczęstszą genetyczną przyczyną tętniaków aorty piersiowej (10-15% wszystkich przypadków FTAA)
  • MYH11 – kodujący łańcuch ciężki miozyny
  • TGFBR1 i TGFBR2 – kodujące receptory dla transformującego czynnika wzrostu beta
  • SMAD3 i SMAD4 – kodujące białka uczestniczące w szlaku sygnałowym TGF-β
  • TGF-β2 – kodujący transformujący czynnik wzrostu beta 2
  • MYLK – kodujący kinazę łańcucha lekkiego miozyny
  • PRKG1 – kodujący kinazę białkową G

252728

Dwupłatkowa zastawka aortalna jako przyczyna tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Dwupłatkowa zastawka aortalna (bicuspid aortic valve, BAV) jest częstą wrodzoną wadą serca, w której zastawka aortalna ma dwie płatki (zastawki) zamiast normalnych trzech. To wrodzone zaburzenie znacząco zwiększa ryzyko rozwoju tętniaka aorty piersiowej, szczególnie w odcinku wstępującym.2930

Tętniak aorty piersiowej jest drugim najczęstszym następstwem dwupłatkowej zastawki aortalnej po dysfunkcji zastawki aortalnej (stenoza lub niedomykalność). U osób z BAV, nieprawidłowa hemodynamika przepływu krwi oraz wrodzone zaburzenia ściany aorty prowadzą do jej osłabienia i stopniowego poszerzania. Zaburzenie to jest szczególnie istotne, gdyż stanowi najczęstszą genetyczną nieprawidłowość związaną z tętniakiem aorty wstępującej.3132

Zwyrodnienie cysto-medialne jako przyczyna tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Zwyrodnienie cysto-medialne (cystic medial degeneration/necrosis) to proces, w którym dochodzi do rozpadu tkanki ściany aorty. Jest to najczęstsza przyczyna tętniaka aorty wstępującej.3334 W tym schorzeniu dochodzi do zwyrodnienia i fragmentacji włókien elastycznych, utraty komórek mięśni gładkich oraz gromadzenia się zasadochłonnej substancji podstawowej.35

Zwyrodnienie cysto-medialne może występować jako niezależny proces związany z wiekiem, ale często towarzyszy różnym zespołom tkanki łącznej, szczególnie zespołowi Marfana, gdzie prowadzi do poszerzenia aorty oraz zastawki aortalnej (ektazja anulo-aortalna), co powoduje niedomykalność zastawki aortalnej.3637

Zapalenie naczyń jako przyczyna tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Stany zapalne naczyń krwionośnych (vasculitis) mogą prowadzić do osłabienia ściany aorty i rozwoju tętniaka. Do chorób zapalnych naczyń związanych z tętniakami aorty piersiowej należą:3839

4041

Zapalenie naczyń może prowadzić do przewlekłego stanu zapalnego w ścianie aorty, co skutkuje osłabieniem jej struktury i zwiększonym ryzykiem rozwoju tętniaka. Proces zapalny odgrywa kluczową rolę w przebudowie ściany aorty poprzez śmierć komórek ściany aorty, zmianę fenotypu komórek mięśni gładkich oraz wydzielanie proteaz.42

Infekcje jako przyczyna tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Infekcje mogą prowadzić do zapalenia aorty (aortitis), które osłabia jej ścianę i zwiększa ryzyko rozwoju tętniaka. Do najważniejszych infekcji związanych z tętniakami aorty piersiowej należą:4344

  • Kiła (syphilis) – przed erą antybiotyków była główną przyczyną tętniaków aorty. W trzecim stadium kiły może dojść do zapalenia aorty i formowania się tętniaka, szczególnie w odcinku aorty najbliższym sercu4546
  • Bakteryjne infekcje – bakterie mogą przedostać się do krwiobiegu wskutek innej infekcji (najczęściej zapalenia płuc lub zakażenia układu moczowego) i przytwierdzić się do ściany aorty, gdzie się namnażają i osłabiają ją, prowadząc do powstania tętniaka grzybiczego (mycotic aneurysm)4748
  • Salmonella – rzadka, ale możliwa przyczyna tętniaka aorty piersiowej, zwłaszcza gdy infekcja pozostaje nieleczona4950

Urazy jako przyczyna tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Urazy klatki piersiowej mogą prowadzić do uszkodzenia aorty i rozwoju tętniaka rzekomego (pseudoaneurysm). Tętniak rzekomy powstaje, gdy dochodzi do przerwania wewnętrznej warstwy ściany aorty, a krew wycieka poza ściany naczynia, tworząc jamę wypełnioną krwią, która zamyka miejsce przecieku w miarę tworzenia się skrzepu.51

Urazy prowadzące do tętniaków aorty piersiowej to najczęściej:5253

  • Wypadki komunikacyjne
  • Upadki z wysokości
  • Urazy spowodowane gwałtownym hamowaniem (urazy deceleracyjne)
  • Tępe urazy klatki piersiowej

Chociaż tętniaki pourazowe są stosunkowo rzadkie, należy brać je pod uwagę u pacjentów z historią poważnych urazów klatki piersiowej.5455

Czynniki ryzyka tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Oprócz opisanych wyżej przyczyn, istnieje szereg czynników ryzyka, które zwiększają prawdopodobieństwo rozwoju tętniaka aorty piersiowej:5657

  • Nadciśnienie tętnicze – główny modyfikowalny czynnik ryzyka, długotrwałe nadciśnienie powoduje naprężenie ściany aorty, co z czasem może prowadzić do jej wybrzuszenia i rozwoju tętniaka5859
  • Palenie tytoniu – uznawane za najsilniejszy czynnik ryzyka rozwoju tętniaków aorty, palacze mają 15-krotnie większe ryzyko wystąpienia tętniaka niż osoby niepalące6061
  • Wiek – ryzyko wzrasta z wiekiem, szczególnie po 65. roku życia, ze względu na naturalne procesy starzenia się aorty i utratę jej elastyczności6263
  • Płeć męska – tętniaki aorty piersiowej występują częściej u mężczyzn niż u kobiet6465
  • Otyłość – zwiększa obciążenie układu sercowo-naczyniowego66
  • Przewlekła obturacyjna choroba płuc (POChP) – związana z tętniakami aorty piersiowej, prawdopodobnie z powodu wspólnych czynników ryzyka, takich jak palenie6768
  • Obturacyjny bezdech senny – może przyczyniać się do szybszego wzrostu tętniaków69
  • Choroba wieńcowa – związana z występowaniem tętniaków aorty7071
  • Wcześniejsze rozwarstwienie aorty – znacząco zwiększa ryzyko rozwoju tętniaka7273
  • Choroba nerek – zarówno przewlekła choroba nerek, jak i wielotorbielowatość nerek zwiększają ryzyko tętniaków7475
  • Wcześniejsza operacja naprawy tętniaka aorty – może zwiększać ryzyko rozwoju nowych tętniaków76
  • Stosowanie fluorochinolonów – w 2018 roku FDA wydała ostrzeżenie, że stosowanie antybiotyków z grupy fluorochinolonów może zwiększać ryzyko tętniaka aorty. Chinolony mogą prowadzić do utraty integralności strukturalnej zewnątrzkomórkowej poprzez kilka mechanizmów niezwiązanych z działaniem przeciwbakteryjnym7778

Związek z innymi tętniakami

Tętniak aorty piersiowej jest często związany z występowaniem innych tętniaków w organizmie, co sugeruje istnienie ogólnoustrojowej tendencji do tworzenia się tętniaków u niektórych pacjentów. Wykazano związek między tętniakiem aorty piersiowej a:7980

  • Tętniakiem aorty brzusznej
  • Tętniakami wewnątrzczaszkowymi
  • Torbielami nerek
  • Nietypową anatomią łuku aorty (łuk aorty typu bovine)

Obecność jednego tętniaka znacząco zwiększa ryzyko wystąpienia kolejnych, dlatego u pacjentów z rozpoznanym tętniakiem aorty piersiowej należy rozważyć badania przesiewowe w kierunku innych tętniaków.81

Podsumowanie etiologii tętniaka aorty piersiowej

Etiologia tętniaka aorty piersiowej jest wieloczynnikowa i zależy od wielu współistniejących procesów patologicznych. Miażdżyca, czynniki genetyczne, zwyrodnienie cysto-medialne, zapalenie naczyń, infekcje oraz urazy to główne przyczyny prowadzące do osłabienia ściany aorty i formowania się tętniaka. Zrozumienie złożonych mechanizmów powstawania tętniaków aorty piersiowej jest kluczowe dla opracowania skutecznych strategii profilaktycznych, diagnostycznych i terapeutycznych.8283

Należy podkreślić, że etiologia tętniaka aorty piersiowej różni się w zależności od jego lokalizacji. Tętniaki aorty wstępującej najczęściej są związane z zaburzeniami tkanki łącznej i zwyrodnieniem cysto-medialnym, podczas gdy tętniaki aorty zstępującej częściej mają podłoże miażdżycowe. Tętniaki łuku aorty mogą być spowodowane zarówno miażdżycą, jak i procesami zapalnymi czy rozwarstwieniem.84

Badania genetyczne i molekularne w ostatnich latach znacząco poszerzyły naszą wiedzę o mechanizmach powstawania tętniaków aorty piersiowej, wskazując na kluczową rolę szlaku sygnałowego TGF-β oraz innych białek strukturalnych i sygnałowych w patogenezie tego schorzenia. Ta wiedza pozwala na bardziej precyzyjne określenie ryzyka u pacjentów i ich rodzin oraz może prowadzić do opracowania nowych, ukierunkowanych metod leczenia.8586

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  1. 10.04.2026
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Materiały źródłowe

  • #1 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the upper part of the body’s main artery, called the aorta. […] Treatment of a thoracic aortic aneurysm depends on the cause and size of the aneurysm and how fast it’s growing. […] Causes of thoracic aortic aneurysms may include: […] Atherosclerosis. A buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls causes the arteries to get stiff. […] Genetic conditions. Aortic aneurysms in younger people are often caused by changes in genes. […] Blood vessel inflammation. Conditions that cause irritation and swelling of blood vessels, such as Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis, are associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms. […] Bicuspid aortic valve. Usually the valve between the lower left heart chamber and the aorta has three flaps. A bicuspid valve has only two. […] Untreated infection. Though rare, it’s possible to get a thoracic aortic aneurysm if you’ve had an untreated infection such as syphilis or salmonella. […] Traumatic injury. Some people who are injured in falls or motor vehicle crashes get thoracic aortic aneurysms. But this is rare.
  • #2 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Most thoracic aortic aneurysms result from atherosclerosis. […] Risk factors for both thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections include prolonged hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Additional risk factors for TAAs include presence of aneurysms elsewhere in the body, infection, aortitis, and older age (peak incidence at age 65 to 70 years). […] Congenital connective tissue disorders (eg, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome) cause cystic medial necrosis, a degenerative change that leads to TAAs complicated by aortic dissection and by widening of the proximal aorta and aortic valve (annuloaortic ectasia), which causes aortic regurgitation. […] Infected (mycotic) TAAs result from hematogenous spread of systemic or local infections (eg, sepsis, pneumonia), lymphangitic spread (eg, tuberculosis), or direct extension (eg, in osteomyelitis or pericarditis).
  • #3 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes and Treatment | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    What causes a thoracic aortic aneurysm? (Aetiology) […] The pathogenesis of TAA is complex and probably involves inflammation, proteolysis and reduced survival of smooth muscle cells in the aortic wall. There is probably an imbalance of proteolytic enzymes versus their inhibitors. Once the aorta reaches a critical diameter (about 6 cm in the ascending aorta and 7 cm in the descending aorta), it loses all distensibility so that a rise in blood pressure to around 200 mm Hg (as can occur physiologically during stress or exertion) can exceed the arterial wall strength and may trigger dissection or rupture. […] Genetic – there is a strong genetic component. In some families, there appears to be an autosomal dominant trait causing TAA. […] Certain connective tissue disorders: Marfan’s syndrome. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV. Loeys-Dietz syndrome (which partly resembles Marfan’s syndrome).
  • #4 Aortic aneurysms: current pathogenesis and therapeutic targets | Experimental & Molecular Medicine
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-023-01130-w
    Aortic aneurysm is a chronic disease characterized by localized expansion of the aorta, including the ascending aorta, arch, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. […] Aortic aneurysms are generally classified as thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs), which form in the ascending aorta, the arch, or the aorta above the diaphragm, or abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), which are localized in the aorta below the diaphragm in the supra- or infrarenal regions. […] Although distinct pathological mechanisms are present in TAA and AAA, many risk factors for aortic aneurysms are shared, including age, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, male sex, white race, and a positive family history. […] Multiple pathological processes, including extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown, inflammation, phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), oxidative stress, and neovascularization, contribute to this process.
  • #5 Thoracic aortic aneurysm Information | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in the part of the body’s largest artery (the aorta) that passes through the chest. […] The most common cause of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition is more common in people with high cholesterol, long-term high blood pressure, or who smoke. […] Other risk factors for a thoracic aneurysm include changes caused by age, connective tissue disorders such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, inflammation of the aorta, injury from falls or motor vehicle accidents, and syphilis. […] The long-term outlook for people with thoracic aortic aneurysm depends on other medical problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These problems may have caused or contributed to the condition.
  • #6 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Most thoracic aortic aneurysms result from atherosclerosis. […] Risk factors for both thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections include prolonged hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Additional risk factors for TAAs include presence of aneurysms elsewhere in the body, infection, aortitis, and older age (peak incidence at age 65 to 70 years). […] Congenital connective tissue disorders (eg, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome) cause cystic medial necrosis, a degenerative change that leads to TAAs complicated by aortic dissection and by widening of the proximal aorta and aortic valve (annuloaortic ectasia), which causes aortic regurgitation. […] Infected (mycotic) TAAs result from hematogenous spread of systemic or local infections (eg, sepsis, pneumonia), lymphangitic spread (eg, tuberculosis), or direct extension (eg, in osteomyelitis or pericarditis).
  • #7 What Is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm?
    https://www.icliniq.com/articles/heart-circulatory-health/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm can be caused due to several reasons, such as: […] Atherosclerosis – It is the primary cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). It is described as the thickening and hardening of the arteries caused by the buildup of plaque within the inner lining of the artery. It occurs over time and starts at a relatively young age. Plaque is a waxy substance made of predominantly lipids. It is different from arteriosclerosis which involves only the hardening of the arteries. Risk factors for atherosclerosis include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a diet high in saturated fats. […] Marfans Syndrome – A genetic disorder that results in defective connective tissue affecting an individuals skeleton, heart, blood vessels, eyes, and lungs.
  • #8 Thoracic Aneurysm: Background, Pathophysiology, Etiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/761627-overview
    Thoracic aortic aneurysm most commonly results from degeneration of the media of the aortic wall as well as from local hemodynamic forces. […] Although atherosclerotic disease is often present in patients with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), it may only play a minor causal role in the pathogenesis of aneurysm development. […] Aortic aneurysm is often associated with smoking and hypertension. […] Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are associated with an increased incidence of TAA and dilatation of the aortic root. […] A genetic predisposition to TAA has been established in both syndromic and nonsyndromic individuals. […] Aortic aneurysm has been associated with a number of rheumatologic disorders, such as giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, and psoriatic arthritis. […] Syphilitic aortitis is an increasingly uncommon cause of thoracic aneurysm.
  • #9
    https://healthlibrary.brighamandwomens.org/library/diseasesconditions/Adult/Digestive/85,P08258
    atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. This is a rare cause of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. […] infection, syphilis (rare causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm) […] Takayasu’s arteritis – a type of vasculitis that causes inflammation of the arteries […] atherosclerosis […] Atherosclerosis is most often associated with descending thoracic aneurysms, and is thought to play an important role in aneurysmal disease, including the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis such as: […] age (greater than 55) […] male gender […] family history (first-degree relatives such as father or brother) […] genetic factors […] hyperlipidemia (elevated fats in the blood) […] hypertension (high blood pressure) […] smoking […] diabetes.
  • #10 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) Causes | Stanford Health Care
    https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/causes.html
    Atherosclerosis […] Continuation of an ascending and/or descending aortic aneurysm […] Atherosclerosis is most often associated with descending thoracic aneurysms, and is thought to play an important role in aneurysmal disease, including the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis such as: […] Age (greater than 55) […] Male gender […] Family history (first-degree relatives such as father or brother) […] Genetic factors […] Hyperlipidemia (elevated fats in the blood) […] Hypertension (high blood pressure) […] Smoking […] Diabetes.
  • #11 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm – Causes and Treatment | JGH
    https://jghdelhi.net/diseases/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Atherosclerosis is most often associated with descending thoracic aneurysms, and is thought to play an important role in aneurysmal disease, including the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis such as: […] age (greater than 55) […] male gender […] family history (first-degree relatives such as father or brother) […] genetic factors […] hyperlipidemia (elevated fats in the blood) […] hypertension (high blood pressure) […] smoking […] diabetes.
  • #12 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – UF Health
    https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    The most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms is atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup. […] Over time, this plaque can cause the walls of the aorta to become stiff and weak, creating the potential for an aneurysm to form. […] Some factors that increase your risk for atherosclerosis (and increase your risk for developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm) are: Smoking, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Being overweight, A family history of cardiovascular disease. […] Other factors that increase your risk for developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm are: Age (greater than 55), Gender (occurrence in males is more prevalent than females), Family history of aneurysms, Diabetes, Genetic disorders that effect connective tissue such as Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Infections such as syphilis or tuberculosis.
  • #13 Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554567/
    Male gender, increased age, history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, smoking, and previous aortic dissection are risk factors of TAA. […] A family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm is a strong risk factor, as about 20% of cases of TAA are a consequence of genetic conditions. […] Only 5% of the patients have Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Deitz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Left-sided valvular endocarditis can rarely result in an aortic root dilation. […] Syphilis used to be the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the advent of antibiotics. […] Arteritis, including Takayasu, Behet, giant cell, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can involve the aorta in rare instances and result in an aneurysm. […] A bicuspid aortic valve and an isolated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are also rare causes. […] There is a TAA association with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm, renal cysts, and bovine aortic arch.
  • #14 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    TAAs occur due to a weakness in the wall of your aorta. […] Syphilis was the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the invention of antibiotics. These days, theyre usually caused by very high blood pressure or sudden injury. […] In about 20% of people with TAAs, their TAAs are linked to genetic syndromes inherited from their parents. Some genetic syndromes associated with TAAs include: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Turner syndrome. […] Additionally, 16 genes have been identified so far that may predispose you to disease of your thoracic aorta. […] A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is characterized by an abnormal widening in your aorta. TAAs in most people are associated with trauma or very high blood pressure.
  • #15 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_aortic_aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is the „ballooning” of the upper aspect of the aorta, above the diaphragm. […] There are a number of causes, Aneurysms in patients younger than 40 usually involve the ascending aorta due to a weakening of the aortic wall associated with connective tissue disorders like the Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes or congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Younger patients may develop aortic aneurysms of the thoracoabdominal aorta after an aortic dissection. […] Atherosclerosis is the principal cause of descending aortic aneurysms, while aneurysms of the aortic arch may be due to dissection, atherosclerosis, or inflammation. […] Hypertension and cigarette smoking are the most important risk factors, though the importance of genetic factors has been increasingly recognized. Approximately 10 percent of patients may have other family members who have aortic aneurysms. It is also important to note that individuals with a history of aneurysms in other parts of the body have a higher chance of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
  • #16 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Practice Essentials, Anatomy, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/424904-overview
    Authorities strongly agree that genetics play a role in the formation of aortic aneurysms. Of first-degree relatives of patients with aortic aneurysms, 15% have an aneurysm. This appears especially true in first-degree relatives of female patients with aortic aneurysms. Thus, inherited disorders of connective tissue appear to contribute to the formation of aortic aneurysms. […] Marfan syndrome is a potentially lethal connective-tissue disease characterized by skeletal, heart valve, and ocular abnormalities. Individuals with this disease are at risk for aneurysmal degeneration, especially in the thoracic aorta. Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic condition that results in abnormal fibrillin, a structural protein found in the human aorta. Patients with Marfan syndrome may develop anuloaortic ectasia of the sinuses of Valsalva, commonly associated with aortic valvular insufficiency and aneurysmal dilation of the ascending aorta.
  • #17 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm & Aortic Dissection | Marfan Foundation
    https://marfan.org/conditions/familial-aortic-aneurysm/
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta (the main blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body) in the thoracic cavity or the chest area. This condition is fairly common in the general population, but about 20 percent of the cases are caused by a genetic condition. […] About 20 percent of people with thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection have a genetic predisposition to it, meaning it runs in the family. This type is known as familial thoracic aneurysm and dissection. Many people dont know they have a genetic predisposition to thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. First-degree relatives (i.e., parents, children, siblings) of individuals known to have thoracic aortic aneurysm should be screened for the condition. […] A diagnosis of familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection is made when there is a positive family history of aneurysm and dissection. […] There are many known genes to cause FTAAD but there are still many genes that need to be discovered.
  • #18 Aortic Aneurysm – Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/aortic-aneurysm/causes
    You may have an increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm because of your age, family history, genes, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, or sex. […] Several family or genetics conditions increase your risk for a thoracic aortic aneurysm. These include: EhlersDanlos syndrome, LoeysDietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Turner syndrome, Familial thoracic aortic aneurysms, Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which is an abnormal aortic valve. […] High blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms but also a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm. […] Bacterial infections, which are a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms. […] Trauma, such as from car accidents or falls, which is a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #19 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17552-aorta-thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the part of your aorta that runs through your chest. It forms when your aorta wall grows weak from plaque, connective tissue disorders or other factors. […] Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Thats because plaque buildup weakens your aortas walls over time, making aneurysms more likely to develop. […] Anything that weakens your aortas walls can raise your risk for aneurysm formation. Besides atherosclerosis, known risk factors include: Aortitis, Bicuspid aortic valve disease, Coronary artery disease (CAD), Family history of aortic aneurysms, High blood pressure, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Increasing age (over 65), Smoking or any tobacco use, Turner syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Yes, thoracic aortic aneurysms can run in families. Researchers have identified several genetic mutations that raise a persons risk. Among these, mutations to the ACTA2 gene are the most common. […] Thoracic aortic aneurysms form in areas where your artery walls are weak. Factors like plaque buildup or connective tissue diseases can weaken your aortas walls and make them vulnerable to aneurysm formation.
  • #20 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Practice Essentials, Anatomy, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/424904-overview
    Authorities strongly agree that genetics play a role in the formation of aortic aneurysms. Of first-degree relatives of patients with aortic aneurysms, 15% have an aneurysm. This appears especially true in first-degree relatives of female patients with aortic aneurysms. Thus, inherited disorders of connective tissue appear to contribute to the formation of aortic aneurysms. […] Marfan syndrome is a potentially lethal connective-tissue disease characterized by skeletal, heart valve, and ocular abnormalities. Individuals with this disease are at risk for aneurysmal degeneration, especially in the thoracic aorta. Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic condition that results in abnormal fibrillin, a structural protein found in the human aorta. Patients with Marfan syndrome may develop anuloaortic ectasia of the sinuses of Valsalva, commonly associated with aortic valvular insufficiency and aneurysmal dilation of the ascending aorta.
  • #21 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Tampa General Hospital
    https://www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm can develop due to various conditions that gradually weaken the strength and integrity of the aortic wall. […] For instance, in young people, the cause is often related to a genetic condition, such as: […] Marfan syndrome caused by a mutation in the FBN1 gene, this rare genetic disorder affects the production of fibrillin, an essential protein for the strength and elasticity of connective tissue. […] Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) caused by a mutation in the COL3A1 gene, this rare genetic disorder affects the production of type III collagen, which is critical for blood vessel integrity. […] Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) caused by a mutation in the genes involved in the TGF- signaling pathway, this inherited condition can cause abnormalities in connective tissue.
  • #22 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Tampa General Hospital
    https://www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Turner syndrome a chromosomal disorder in which one of the X chromosomes is partially or completely missing, Turner syndrome is associated with structural abnormalities of the aorta, such as aortic coarctation (narrowing of the aorta) and bicuspid aortic valve. […] Other possible genetic causes of a thoracic aortic aneurysm include: […] Bicuspid aortic valve sometimes, the aortic valve, which regulates blood flow from the hearts left ventricle to the aorta, has two leaflets (cusps) instead of the normal three at birth. […] Family history certain genes passed down from parent to child can influence traits such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure and the structure or function of the heart and blood vessels, making an individual more susceptible to heart disease and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #23 Aortic Aneurysm – Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/aortic-aneurysm/causes
    You may have an increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm because of your age, family history, genes, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, or sex. […] Several family or genetics conditions increase your risk for a thoracic aortic aneurysm. These include: EhlersDanlos syndrome, LoeysDietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Turner syndrome, Familial thoracic aortic aneurysms, Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which is an abnormal aortic valve. […] High blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms but also a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm. […] Bacterial infections, which are a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms. […] Trauma, such as from car accidents or falls, which is a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #24 Thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection — Knowledge Hub
    https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/genotes/knowledge-hub/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm-and-dissection/
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is an atypical dilatation of a section of the aorta caused by an underlying weakness in the aortic wall. Causes of thoracic aortopathy can be acquired, inflammatory, congenital or inherited as part of a genetic predisposition. […] Most of the pathogenic variants that cause familial predisposition to thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. […] Non-syndromic causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection include variants in genes that encode the contractile apparatus of smooth muscle cells, such as ACTA2 and MYH11. […] Most of the pathogenic genetic variants that cause familial aortic aneurysm and dissection are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. […] However, for some genetic causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm there is a notable de novo rate. For example, in 25% of cases of Marfan syndrome the variant will have arisen for the first time in the affected individual, with no evidence of it in any previous generations.
  • #25
    https://www.omim.org/entry/607086
    Aneurysms and dissections of the aorta usually result from degenerative changes in the aortic wall. Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections are primarily associated with a characteristic histologic appearance known as 'medial necrosis’ or 'Erdheim cystic medial necrosis’ in which there is degeneration and fragmentation of elastic fibers, loss of smooth muscle cells, and an accumulation of basophilic ground substance. […] Medial necrosis and thoracic aortic aneurysm/dissection are known to occur in certain connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome (154700), and vascular (type IV) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (130050). More commonly, however, medial necrosis occurs in the absence of a clearly identifiable syndrome. […] Loci for isolated thoracic aortic aneurysm have been identified on chromosomes 11q (AAT1) and 5q (AAT2; 607087). Mutation in the MYH11 gene (160745) on chromosome 16p causes AAT4 (132900). Mutation in the ACTA2 gene (102620) on chromosome 10q causes AAT6 (611788). Mutation in the MYLK gene (600922) on chromosome 3q21 causes AAT7 (613780). Mutation in the PRKG1 gene (176894) on chromosome 10q11 causes AAT8 (615436). Mutation in the MFAP5 gene (601103) on chromosome 12p13 causes AAT9 (616166). Mutation in the LOX gene (153455) on chromosome 5q23 causes AAT10 (617168). Mutation in the FOXE3 gene (601094) on chromosome 1p33 causes susceptibility to AAT11 (617349).
  • #26 The Genetics of Aortic Aneurysms
    https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2018/05/02/12/52/The-Genetics-of-Aortic-Aneurysms
    In addition to the syndromes described above, a number of other disorders are implicated in aneurysm formation including: RAAS-mediated aneurysms; adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD); Turner syndrome; vasculitides; atherosclerosis and infections of the aortic wall. Table 1 outlines some heritable causes aortopathy. […] Mutations in ACTA2, which encodes alpha smooth muscle actin, are the most common genetic cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms, accounting for 10-15% of all FTAA.19 In addition to thoracic aneurysms, ACTA2 mutations have been associated with CNS aneurysms and neurovascular malformations.
  • #27
    https://www.omim.org/entry/607086
    Thoracic aortic aneurysm with dissection (e.g., AAT3 and AAT5) can occur as a manifestation of the Loeys-Dietz syndrome (see LDS2, 610168 and LDS1, 609192, caused by mutation in the TGFBR2 (190182) and TGFBR1 (190181) genes, respectively). […] Pyeritz (2014) reviewed heritable thoracic aortic disorders with particular attention to causative genes, including components of the extracellular matrix, vascular smooth muscle cytoskeleton, and TGF-beta and other signaling pathways.
  • #28 Aortic aneurysms: current pathogenesis and therapeutic targets | Experimental & Molecular Medicine
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-023-01130-w
    The loss of structural integrity due to vascular SMC dysfunction, including apoptosis and ECM degradation, leads to weakness and dilatation of the aortic wall, which are hallmarks of aortic aneurysm. […] An imbalance in reparative/ECM production and inflammatory/ECM degradation in SMCs that underwent phenotypic switching and are known as synthetic SMCs in response to constant pathological stimuli damages the aortic wall, leading to dilatation and rupture in aortic aneurysms. […] The components of the transforming growth factor- (TGF-) signaling pathway, including receptors and SMAD proteins, are fundamental for synthesizing SMC contractile proteins, ECM proteins, elastin, and collagen. […] Mutations in the genes involved in the canonical TGF- signaling pathway, including TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD3, SMAD4, and TGF-2, have been identified as predisposing factors for aortic aneurysms and dissections with Marfanoid features.
  • #29 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the upper part of the body’s main artery, called the aorta. […] Treatment of a thoracic aortic aneurysm depends on the cause and size of the aneurysm and how fast it’s growing. […] Causes of thoracic aortic aneurysms may include: […] Atherosclerosis. A buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls causes the arteries to get stiff. […] Genetic conditions. Aortic aneurysms in younger people are often caused by changes in genes. […] Blood vessel inflammation. Conditions that cause irritation and swelling of blood vessels, such as Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis, are associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms. […] Bicuspid aortic valve. Usually the valve between the lower left heart chamber and the aorta has three flaps. A bicuspid valve has only two. […] Untreated infection. Though rare, it’s possible to get a thoracic aortic aneurysm if you’ve had an untreated infection such as syphilis or salmonella. […] Traumatic injury. Some people who are injured in falls or motor vehicle crashes get thoracic aortic aneurysms. But this is rare.
  • #30 Aortic Aneurysm – Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/aortic-aneurysm/causes
    You may have an increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm because of your age, family history, genes, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, or sex. […] Several family or genetics conditions increase your risk for a thoracic aortic aneurysm. These include: EhlersDanlos syndrome, LoeysDietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Turner syndrome, Familial thoracic aortic aneurysms, Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which is an abnormal aortic valve. […] High blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms but also a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm. […] Bacterial infections, which are a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms. […] Trauma, such as from car accidents or falls, which is a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #31 What Is Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm?
    https://www.icliniq.com/articles/heart-circulatory-health/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Loeys- Dietz – A familial connective tissue disorder characterized by the aortas enlargement. Individuals with Loeys-Dietz syndrome have aneurysms or dissections in arteries throughout the body and have arteries with abnormal twists and turns (arterial tortuosity). […] Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) – A common congenital heart defect in which an individual has an aortic valve with two leaflets (cusps) instead of three. Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) formation is the second most frequent consequence of the bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) after aortic valve dysfunction (stenosis or insufficiency).
  • #32 Aortic aneurysm – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20369472
    An aortic aneurysm is a weak spot in the wall of the aorta that begins to bulge or balloon outward, as shown in the image on the left. […] An aortic aneurysm increases the risk of a tear in the inner layer of the wall of the aorta. This tear is called an aortic dissection. […] The main disease that I see is aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta and as the aorta enlarges, it becomes thinner. […] Now why do these things happen? There are three players in the aortic disease game. The first is structural genetic abnormality. Basically, the aorta is built wrong. The classic genetic disease that lead to aortic aneurysm and dissection is Marfan syndrome. However, the most common genetic abnormality associated with ascending aortic aneurysm is bicuspid aortic valve. The second player is accelerated atherosclerotic injury. This can also be a genetic problem, but it just as often stems from sustained high blood pressure compounded by high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and sometimes diabetes. The least common player is inflammatory disease such as vasculitis or even infection.
  • #33 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) Causes | Stanford Health Care
    https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/blood-heart-circulation/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/causes.html
    Thoracic aortic aneurysms may be caused by different disease processes, especially in respect to their location. […] Cystic medial degeneration (necrosis) – Breaking down of the tissue of the aortic wall. This is the most common cause of this type of thoracic aortic aneurysm. […] Genetic disorders which affect the connective tissue, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome […] Family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm with no incidence of Marfan syndrome […] Atherosclerosis – Hardening of the arteries caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. This is a rare cause of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. […] Infection, syphilis (rare causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm) […] Takayasu’s arteritis – A type of vasculitis that causes inflammation of the arteries
  • #34 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm – Causes and Treatment | JGH
    https://jghdelhi.net/diseases/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Thoracic aortic aneurysms may be caused by different disease processes, especially in respect to their location. […] Examples of different locations of thoracic aortic aneurysms and their causes may include, but are not limited to, the following: […] cystic medial degeneration (necrosis) breaking down of the tissue of the aortic wall. This is the most common cause of this type of thoracic aortic aneurysm. […] genetic disorders which affect the connective tissue, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome […] family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm with no incidence of Marfan syndrome […] atherosclerosis hardening of the arteries caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. This is a rare cause of ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm. […] infection, syphilis (rare causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm)
  • #35
    https://www.omim.org/entry/607086
    Aneurysms and dissections of the aorta usually result from degenerative changes in the aortic wall. Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections are primarily associated with a characteristic histologic appearance known as 'medial necrosis’ or 'Erdheim cystic medial necrosis’ in which there is degeneration and fragmentation of elastic fibers, loss of smooth muscle cells, and an accumulation of basophilic ground substance. […] Medial necrosis and thoracic aortic aneurysm/dissection are known to occur in certain connective tissue diseases such as Marfan syndrome (154700), and vascular (type IV) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (130050). More commonly, however, medial necrosis occurs in the absence of a clearly identifiable syndrome. […] Loci for isolated thoracic aortic aneurysm have been identified on chromosomes 11q (AAT1) and 5q (AAT2; 607087). Mutation in the MYH11 gene (160745) on chromosome 16p causes AAT4 (132900). Mutation in the ACTA2 gene (102620) on chromosome 10q causes AAT6 (611788). Mutation in the MYLK gene (600922) on chromosome 3q21 causes AAT7 (613780). Mutation in the PRKG1 gene (176894) on chromosome 10q11 causes AAT8 (615436). Mutation in the MFAP5 gene (601103) on chromosome 12p13 causes AAT9 (616166). Mutation in the LOX gene (153455) on chromosome 5q23 causes AAT10 (617168). Mutation in the FOXE3 gene (601094) on chromosome 1p33 causes susceptibility to AAT11 (617349).
  • #36 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Most thoracic aortic aneurysms result from atherosclerosis. […] Risk factors for both thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections include prolonged hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Additional risk factors for TAAs include presence of aneurysms elsewhere in the body, infection, aortitis, and older age (peak incidence at age 65 to 70 years). […] Congenital connective tissue disorders (eg, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome) cause cystic medial necrosis, a degenerative change that leads to TAAs complicated by aortic dissection and by widening of the proximal aorta and aortic valve (annuloaortic ectasia), which causes aortic regurgitation. […] Infected (mycotic) TAAs result from hematogenous spread of systemic or local infections (eg, sepsis, pneumonia), lymphangitic spread (eg, tuberculosis), or direct extension (eg, in osteomyelitis or pericarditis).
  • #37 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Thoracic aortic aneurysms are bulges (dilations) in the wall of the aorta in the part that passes through the chest (thorax). […] Most thoracic artery aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis. […] In another common form of thoracic aortic aneurysm, the walls of the aorta degenerate (a condition called cystic medial necrosis), and the part of the aorta nearest the heart enlarges. […] About half of the people with an aneurysm plus cystic medial necrosis also have a connective tissue disorder called Marfan syndrome. […] Rarely, syphilis causes an aneurysm to form in the part of the aorta nearest the heart. […] In other cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream as a result of another infection (usually pneumonia or a urinary tract infection) and attach to a site in the aorta and multiply. This bacterial infection can weaken the aortic wall and result in an aneurysm at that site.
  • #38 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    TAAs occur in some vasculitic disorders (eg, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis). […] Blunt chest trauma can cause a pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm) due to injury to the aortic wall resulting in a communication between the arterial lumen and overlying connective tissue and blood leaking outside the confines of the aorta; a blood-filled cavity forms outside the vessel wall and seals the leak as it thromboses).
  • #39 Causes and Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms | New York, NY
    https://www.drbenvenisty.com/blog/causes-and-symptoms-of-thoracic-aortic-aneurysms/
    Inflammatory diseases such as giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, and syphilis can cause inflammation of the blood vessels, including the aorta. Chronic inflammation can weaken the arterial walls and increase the risk of aneurysm formation. […] Infections of the aorta, such as syphilis or bacterial endocarditis, can weaken the vessel wall and predispose individuals to the development of an aneurysm. In some cases, untreated infections can lead to the formation of infected (mycotic) aneurysms.
  • #40 Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554567/
    Male gender, increased age, history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, smoking, and previous aortic dissection are risk factors of TAA. […] A family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm is a strong risk factor, as about 20% of cases of TAA are a consequence of genetic conditions. […] Only 5% of the patients have Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Deitz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Left-sided valvular endocarditis can rarely result in an aortic root dilation. […] Syphilis used to be the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the advent of antibiotics. […] Arteritis, including Takayasu, Behet, giant cell, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can involve the aorta in rare instances and result in an aneurysm. […] A bicuspid aortic valve and an isolated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are also rare causes. […] There is a TAA association with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm, renal cysts, and bovine aortic arch.
  • #41 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    TAAs occur in some vasculitic disorders (eg, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis). […] Blunt chest trauma can cause a pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm) due to injury to the aortic wall resulting in a communication between the arterial lumen and overlying connective tissue and blood leaking outside the confines of the aorta; a blood-filled cavity forms outside the vessel wall and seals the leak as it thromboses).
  • #42 Aortic aneurysms: current pathogenesis and therapeutic targets | Experimental & Molecular Medicine
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-023-01130-w
    Vascular inflammation is the main initiating factor in aortic aneurysms and substantially influences aortic wall remodeling through the death of aortic wall cells, SMC phenotypic switching, and the secretion of proteases. […] Cytokines are crucial contributors to inflammatory alterations during AAA formation, and altered expression and epigenetic changes in cytokines were present in AAA tissue samples. […] Inhibiting IL-1 and TNF- with antibodies or genetic deletion revealed significantly protected against AAA formation in mouse models. […] Therefore, further studies are needed to clarify the roles of the IL-1 signaling pathway in aortic aneurysms.
  • #43 Aortic Aneurysm – Causes and Risk Factors | NHLBI, NIH
    https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/aortic-aneurysm/causes
    You may have an increased risk of developing an aortic aneurysm because of your age, family history, genes, lifestyle habits, medical conditions, or sex. […] Several family or genetics conditions increase your risk for a thoracic aortic aneurysm. These include: EhlersDanlos syndrome, LoeysDietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Turner syndrome, Familial thoracic aortic aneurysms, Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), which is an abnormal aortic valve. […] High blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms but also a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm. […] Bacterial infections, which are a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms. […] Trauma, such as from car accidents or falls, which is a risk factor for thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #44 Thoracic aortic aneurysm: MedlinePlus Medical EncyclopediaLock
    https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001119.htm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in the part of the body’s largest artery (the aorta) that passes through the chest. […] The most common cause of a thoracic aortic aneurysm is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition is more common in people with high cholesterol, long-term high blood pressure, or who smoke. […] Other risk factors for a thoracic aneurysm include: Changes caused by age, Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Inflammation of the aorta, Injury from falls or motor vehicle accidents, Syphilis. […] The long-term outlook for people with thoracic aortic aneurysm depends on other medical problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes. These problems may have caused or contributed to the condition.
  • #45 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, More
    https://www.healthline.com/health/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    TAAs occur due to a weakness in the wall of your aorta. […] Syphilis was the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the invention of antibiotics. These days, theyre usually caused by very high blood pressure or sudden injury. […] In about 20% of people with TAAs, their TAAs are linked to genetic syndromes inherited from their parents. Some genetic syndromes associated with TAAs include: Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Turner syndrome. […] Additionally, 16 genes have been identified so far that may predispose you to disease of your thoracic aorta. […] A thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is characterized by an abnormal widening in your aorta. TAAs in most people are associated with trauma or very high blood pressure.
  • #46 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Thoracic aortic aneurysms are bulges (dilations) in the wall of the aorta in the part that passes through the chest (thorax). […] Most thoracic artery aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis. […] In another common form of thoracic aortic aneurysm, the walls of the aorta degenerate (a condition called cystic medial necrosis), and the part of the aorta nearest the heart enlarges. […] About half of the people with an aneurysm plus cystic medial necrosis also have a connective tissue disorder called Marfan syndrome. […] Rarely, syphilis causes an aneurysm to form in the part of the aorta nearest the heart. […] In other cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream as a result of another infection (usually pneumonia or a urinary tract infection) and attach to a site in the aorta and multiply. This bacterial infection can weaken the aortic wall and result in an aneurysm at that site.
  • #47 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Heart and Blood Vessel Disorders – Merck Manual Consumer Version
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Thoracic aortic aneurysms are bulges (dilations) in the wall of the aorta in the part that passes through the chest (thorax). […] Most thoracic artery aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis. […] In another common form of thoracic aortic aneurysm, the walls of the aorta degenerate (a condition called cystic medial necrosis), and the part of the aorta nearest the heart enlarges. […] About half of the people with an aneurysm plus cystic medial necrosis also have a connective tissue disorder called Marfan syndrome. […] Rarely, syphilis causes an aneurysm to form in the part of the aorta nearest the heart. […] In other cases, bacteria can enter the bloodstream as a result of another infection (usually pneumonia or a urinary tract infection) and attach to a site in the aorta and multiply. This bacterial infection can weaken the aortic wall and result in an aneurysm at that site.
  • #48 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Most thoracic aortic aneurysms result from atherosclerosis. […] Risk factors for both thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic dissections include prolonged hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. Additional risk factors for TAAs include presence of aneurysms elsewhere in the body, infection, aortitis, and older age (peak incidence at age 65 to 70 years). […] Congenital connective tissue disorders (eg, Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome) cause cystic medial necrosis, a degenerative change that leads to TAAs complicated by aortic dissection and by widening of the proximal aorta and aortic valve (annuloaortic ectasia), which causes aortic regurgitation. […] Infected (mycotic) TAAs result from hematogenous spread of systemic or local infections (eg, sepsis, pneumonia), lymphangitic spread (eg, tuberculosis), or direct extension (eg, in osteomyelitis or pericarditis).
  • #49 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the upper part of the body’s main artery, called the aorta. […] Treatment of a thoracic aortic aneurysm depends on the cause and size of the aneurysm and how fast it’s growing. […] Causes of thoracic aortic aneurysms may include: […] Atherosclerosis. A buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls causes the arteries to get stiff. […] Genetic conditions. Aortic aneurysms in younger people are often caused by changes in genes. […] Blood vessel inflammation. Conditions that cause irritation and swelling of blood vessels, such as Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis, are associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms. […] Bicuspid aortic valve. Usually the valve between the lower left heart chamber and the aorta has three flaps. A bicuspid valve has only two. […] Untreated infection. Though rare, it’s possible to get a thoracic aortic aneurysm if you’ve had an untreated infection such as syphilis or salmonella. […] Traumatic injury. Some people who are injured in falls or motor vehicle crashes get thoracic aortic aneurysms. But this is rare.
  • #50 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – BHF
    https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere in the aorta. Causes of thoracic aortic aneurysms may include: […] genetic conditions – aortic aneurysms in younger people often have a genetic cause. […] congenital – a problem with the aorta or the aortic valve can develop in the womb. […] blood vessel inflammation – conditions that can cause blood vessel inflammation, such as giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis, are linked to thoracic aortic aneurysms […] untreated infection – in rare cases, it’s possible to develop a thoracic aortic aneurysm if you’ve had an infection, such as syphilis or salmonella and its left untreated […] traumatic injury – rarely, some people can develop thoracic aortic aneurysms after an injury due to a fall or motor vehicle crash. […] Thoracic aortic aneurysm risk factors include: […] genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome or vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
  • #51 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms – Cardiovascular Disorders – Merck Manual Professional Edition
    https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/diseases-of-the-aorta-and-its-branches/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    TAAs occur in some vasculitic disorders (eg, giant cell arteritis, Takayasu arteritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis). […] Blunt chest trauma can cause a pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm) due to injury to the aortic wall resulting in a communication between the arterial lumen and overlying connective tissue and blood leaking outside the confines of the aorta; a blood-filled cavity forms outside the vessel wall and seals the leak as it thromboses).
  • #52 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Symptoms and causes – Mayo Clinic
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/symptoms-causes/syc-20350188
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a weakened area in the upper part of the body’s main artery, called the aorta. […] Treatment of a thoracic aortic aneurysm depends on the cause and size of the aneurysm and how fast it’s growing. […] Causes of thoracic aortic aneurysms may include: […] Atherosclerosis. A buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in and on the artery walls causes the arteries to get stiff. […] Genetic conditions. Aortic aneurysms in younger people are often caused by changes in genes. […] Blood vessel inflammation. Conditions that cause irritation and swelling of blood vessels, such as Takayasu arteritis and giant cell arteritis, are associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms. […] Bicuspid aortic valve. Usually the valve between the lower left heart chamber and the aorta has three flaps. A bicuspid valve has only two. […] Untreated infection. Though rare, it’s possible to get a thoracic aortic aneurysm if you’ve had an untreated infection such as syphilis or salmonella. […] Traumatic injury. Some people who are injured in falls or motor vehicle crashes get thoracic aortic aneurysms. But this is rare.
  • #53 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | Healthengine Blog
    https://healthinfo.healthengine.com.au/is-a-thoracic-aortic-aneurysm-serious
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a serious health risk because, depending on its location and size, it may rupture or dissect (tear), causing life-threatening internal bleeding. […] What causes a thoracic aortic aneurysm? Thoracic aortic aneurysms are most often caused by atherosclerosis, a hardening of the arteries that damages the artery walls. […] When atherosclerosis occurs, a sticky substance called plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. Over time, excess plaque causes the aorta to stiffen and weaken. […] Certain diseases can also weaken the layers of the aortic wall and increase the risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms, including Marfan syndrome (a genetic connective tissue disorder), other non-specific connective tissue disorders (characterized by a family history of aneurysms), presence of a bicuspid aortic valve, syphilis, and tuberculosis. […] Rarely, trauma, such as a severe fall or car accident can cause a thoracic aortic aneurysm. […] Recent research indicates that a substantial amount of aneurysms have familial patterns, or are inherited from previous generations.
  • #54 Causes and Symptoms of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms | New York, NY
    https://www.drbenvenisty.com/blog/causes-and-symptoms-of-thoracic-aortic-aneurysms/
    The most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms is atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, often associated with chronic hypertension, high cholesterol and smoking. Over time, the accumulation of plaque can weaken the walls of the aorta, leading to the formation of an aneurysm. […] Genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection syndromes (FTAAD) can predispose individuals to thoracic aortic aneurysms. These conditions may affect the structure and integrity of the aortic wall, increasing the risk of aneurysm formation. […] Traumatic injuries, such as blunt force trauma or deceleration injuries, can cause damage to the aorta and lead to the formation of an aneurysm. Traumatic thoracic aortic aneurysms are often associated with high-impact accidents or falls.
  • #55 Thoracic Aneurysm & Dissection | UWMTAP
    https://sites.uw.edu/uwmtap/thoracic-aneurysm-dissection/
    An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta. If the aneurysm continues to expand, it can rupture. This can cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Aneurysms can be caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. In atherosclerosis, the buildup of fat and cholesterol causes the aortic wall to break down and become weak. Patients with Marfan syndrome, a condition resulting in abnormal fibrillin, commonly develop aortic aneurysms. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a collagen disorder, also causes similar clinical findings in some patients. Other disorders associated with aortic aneurysms include Turners syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, syphilis, arteritis, and traumatic injury (1). […] Type B aortic dissection occurs when there is an intimal tear present beyond the subclavian artery. However, this tear can also form in the aortic arch. The false channel can develop distally into the descending and abdominal aorta.
  • #56 Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554567/
    Male gender, increased age, history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, smoking, and previous aortic dissection are risk factors of TAA. […] A family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm is a strong risk factor, as about 20% of cases of TAA are a consequence of genetic conditions. […] Only 5% of the patients have Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Deitz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Left-sided valvular endocarditis can rarely result in an aortic root dilation. […] Syphilis used to be the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the advent of antibiotics. […] Arteritis, including Takayasu, Behet, giant cell, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can involve the aorta in rare instances and result in an aneurysm. […] A bicuspid aortic valve and an isolated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are also rare causes. […] There is a TAA association with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm, renal cysts, and bovine aortic arch.
  • #57 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – UF Health
    https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    The most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms is atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup. […] Over time, this plaque can cause the walls of the aorta to become stiff and weak, creating the potential for an aneurysm to form. […] Some factors that increase your risk for atherosclerosis (and increase your risk for developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm) are: Smoking, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Being overweight, A family history of cardiovascular disease. […] Other factors that increase your risk for developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm are: Age (greater than 55), Gender (occurrence in males is more prevalent than females), Family history of aneurysms, Diabetes, Genetic disorders that effect connective tissue such as Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Infections such as syphilis or tuberculosis.
  • #58 About Aortic Aneurysm | Heart Disease | CDC
    https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/aortic-aneurysm.html
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm happens in the chest. […] Thoracic aortic aneurysms are usually caused by high blood pressure or sudden injury. […] Sometimes people with inherited connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, get thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #59 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Tampa General Hospital
    https://www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Several factors can increase the risk of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm. […] Advanced age the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age, particularly after 65. […] Atherosclerosis often associated with aging, atherosclerosis is a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on artery walls, which can harden the aorta and damage the aortic wall. […] Chest trauma a severe injury to the chest, such as a direct blow sustained in a car accident or sports-related collision, can damage the aorta and contribute to aneurysm formation. […] Chronic hypertension long-term exposure to high blood pressure can strain and weaken the aortic wall, rendering it less able to withstand the pressure of the blood pumping through the aorta. […] Chronic inflammation conditions that involve blood vessel inflammation, such as giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis, have been linked to thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #60 Causes and risk factors of Aortic Aneurysm
    https://www.clinicbarcelona.org/en/assistance/diseases/aortic-aneurysm/causes-and-risk-factors
    Smoking. This is considered to be the most important modifiable risk factor. Smokers are 15 times more likely to suffer an aneurysm than non-smokers. […] High blood pressure. This doubles the risk of having an aortic aneurysm. It also increases the rate at which aneurysms grow and therefore their risk of bursting. […] Genetic disorders. For instance, individuals with Marfan, EhlersDanlos, LoeysDietz or Turner syndrome. An increased risk has also been reported in patients with a family history of aneurysmal diseases even if they do not have a specific genetic disorder. […] Inflammatory diseases of the blood vessels (vasculitis). Such as giant cell arteritis and Takayasus arteritis. […] Aortic valve abnormalities. For example, those affecting the bicuspid aortic valve in thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #61 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Tampa General Hospital
    https://www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Degenerative changes ongoing wear and tear can slowly break down the elastic fibers of the aortic wall, causing them to become inflexible, brittle and susceptible to damage. […] Smoking the strongest risk factor for aortic aneurysms, tobacco use can damage the blood vessels, accelerate aortic wall weakening and lead to rupture.
  • #62 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Tampa General Hospital
    https://www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Several factors can increase the risk of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm. […] Advanced age the risk of cardiovascular disease increases with age, particularly after 65. […] Atherosclerosis often associated with aging, atherosclerosis is a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) on artery walls, which can harden the aorta and damage the aortic wall. […] Chest trauma a severe injury to the chest, such as a direct blow sustained in a car accident or sports-related collision, can damage the aorta and contribute to aneurysm formation. […] Chronic hypertension long-term exposure to high blood pressure can strain and weaken the aortic wall, rendering it less able to withstand the pressure of the blood pumping through the aorta. […] Chronic inflammation conditions that involve blood vessel inflammation, such as giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis, have been linked to thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #63 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes and Treatment | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Infections: Tertiary syphilis. Mycotic aneurysm. HIV. […] Aortitis – eg, from giant cell arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Behet’s disease, Takayasu’s arteritis or retroperitoneal fibrosis. […] Aortic dissection may be a cause (or a result) of TAA. […] Pregnancy is a risk factor for aneurysm dissection. […] Trauma. […] Weightlifting, cocaine and amphetamine use may be involved in causing TAA and/or aortic dissection – perhaps because of the large rises in blood pressure which occur during these activities. […] These factors probably result in an increased rate of growth of aneurysms: Hypertension is the major risk factor for thoracic aortic disease. […] Increasing age. […] Smoking. […] Hyperlipidaemia. […] Obstructive sleep apnoea. […] Bicuspid or unicuspid aortic valves. […] Atherosclerosis. […] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). […] Chronic kidney disease. […] Previous aortic aneurysm repair. […] Turner syndrome – may be a risk factor. […] Cocaine.
  • #64 Types and Causes of Aortic Aneurysms | Mount Sinai – New York
    https://www.mountsinai.org/care/heart/services/aortic/types-causes
    Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in the arteries that go through your chest area. This is a rare disease which affects more men than women. It is linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, genetics, smoking, and high blood pressure. […] We worry more about fast-growing thoracic aortic aneurysms than slower-growing ones, as large aortic aneurysms can rupture. […] We treat this disease with monitoring or surgery.
  • #65
    https://continentalhospitals.com/diseases/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm/
    Trauma: A severe injury or trauma to the chest can damage the aorta and increase the risk of aneurysm formation. […] Inflammatory Conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions such as giant cell arteritis or Takayasu arteritis can cause inflammation of the aortic wall, leading to weakening and potential aneurysm formation. […] Infection: In rare cases, infections such as syphilis or tuberculosis can affect the aorta, leading to inflammation and weakening of the arterial wall, which may result in an aneurysm. […] Aging: As people age, the walls of the aorta can weaken naturally, increasing the risk of aneurysm formation. […] Smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for the development of aortic aneurysms as it accelerates the progression of atherosclerosis and increases blood pressure. […] Family History: A family history of aortic aneurysms increases an individual’s risk of developing one themselves. […] Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop thoracic aortic aneurysms.
  • #66 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – UF Health
    https://ufhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    The most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms is atherosclerosis, which is a hardening of the arteries caused by plaque buildup. […] Over time, this plaque can cause the walls of the aorta to become stiff and weak, creating the potential for an aneurysm to form. […] Some factors that increase your risk for atherosclerosis (and increase your risk for developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm) are: Smoking, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, Being overweight, A family history of cardiovascular disease. […] Other factors that increase your risk for developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm are: Age (greater than 55), Gender (occurrence in males is more prevalent than females), Family history of aneurysms, Diabetes, Genetic disorders that effect connective tissue such as Marfan Syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Infections such as syphilis or tuberculosis.
  • #67 Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554567/
    Male gender, increased age, history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, smoking, and previous aortic dissection are risk factors of TAA. […] A family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm is a strong risk factor, as about 20% of cases of TAA are a consequence of genetic conditions. […] Only 5% of the patients have Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Deitz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Left-sided valvular endocarditis can rarely result in an aortic root dilation. […] Syphilis used to be the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the advent of antibiotics. […] Arteritis, including Takayasu, Behet, giant cell, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can involve the aorta in rare instances and result in an aneurysm. […] A bicuspid aortic valve and an isolated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are also rare causes. […] There is a TAA association with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm, renal cysts, and bovine aortic arch.
  • #68 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes and Treatment | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Infections: Tertiary syphilis. Mycotic aneurysm. HIV. […] Aortitis – eg, from giant cell arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Behet’s disease, Takayasu’s arteritis or retroperitoneal fibrosis. […] Aortic dissection may be a cause (or a result) of TAA. […] Pregnancy is a risk factor for aneurysm dissection. […] Trauma. […] Weightlifting, cocaine and amphetamine use may be involved in causing TAA and/or aortic dissection – perhaps because of the large rises in blood pressure which occur during these activities. […] These factors probably result in an increased rate of growth of aneurysms: Hypertension is the major risk factor for thoracic aortic disease. […] Increasing age. […] Smoking. […] Hyperlipidaemia. […] Obstructive sleep apnoea. […] Bicuspid or unicuspid aortic valves. […] Atherosclerosis. […] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). […] Chronic kidney disease. […] Previous aortic aneurysm repair. […] Turner syndrome – may be a risk factor. […] Cocaine.
  • #69 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes and Treatment | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Infections: Tertiary syphilis. Mycotic aneurysm. HIV. […] Aortitis – eg, from giant cell arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Behet’s disease, Takayasu’s arteritis or retroperitoneal fibrosis. […] Aortic dissection may be a cause (or a result) of TAA. […] Pregnancy is a risk factor for aneurysm dissection. […] Trauma. […] Weightlifting, cocaine and amphetamine use may be involved in causing TAA and/or aortic dissection – perhaps because of the large rises in blood pressure which occur during these activities. […] These factors probably result in an increased rate of growth of aneurysms: Hypertension is the major risk factor for thoracic aortic disease. […] Increasing age. […] Smoking. […] Hyperlipidaemia. […] Obstructive sleep apnoea. […] Bicuspid or unicuspid aortic valves. […] Atherosclerosis. […] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). […] Chronic kidney disease. […] Previous aortic aneurysm repair. […] Turner syndrome – may be a risk factor. […] Cocaine.
  • #70 Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554567/
    Male gender, increased age, history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, smoking, and previous aortic dissection are risk factors of TAA. […] A family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm is a strong risk factor, as about 20% of cases of TAA are a consequence of genetic conditions. […] Only 5% of the patients have Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Deitz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Left-sided valvular endocarditis can rarely result in an aortic root dilation. […] Syphilis used to be the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the advent of antibiotics. […] Arteritis, including Takayasu, Behet, giant cell, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can involve the aorta in rare instances and result in an aneurysm. […] A bicuspid aortic valve and an isolated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are also rare causes. […] There is a TAA association with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm, renal cysts, and bovine aortic arch.
  • #71 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Symptoms & Treatment
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17552-aorta-thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the part of your aorta that runs through your chest. It forms when your aorta wall grows weak from plaque, connective tissue disorders or other factors. […] Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysms. Thats because plaque buildup weakens your aortas walls over time, making aneurysms more likely to develop. […] Anything that weakens your aortas walls can raise your risk for aneurysm formation. Besides atherosclerosis, known risk factors include: Aortitis, Bicuspid aortic valve disease, Coronary artery disease (CAD), Family history of aortic aneurysms, High blood pressure, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Marfan syndrome, Increasing age (over 65), Smoking or any tobacco use, Turner syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Yes, thoracic aortic aneurysms can run in families. Researchers have identified several genetic mutations that raise a persons risk. Among these, mutations to the ACTA2 gene are the most common. […] Thoracic aortic aneurysms form in areas where your artery walls are weak. Factors like plaque buildup or connective tissue diseases can weaken your aortas walls and make them vulnerable to aneurysm formation.
  • #72 Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554567/
    Male gender, increased age, history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, smoking, and previous aortic dissection are risk factors of TAA. […] A family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm is a strong risk factor, as about 20% of cases of TAA are a consequence of genetic conditions. […] Only 5% of the patients have Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Deitz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Left-sided valvular endocarditis can rarely result in an aortic root dilation. […] Syphilis used to be the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the advent of antibiotics. […] Arteritis, including Takayasu, Behet, giant cell, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can involve the aorta in rare instances and result in an aneurysm. […] A bicuspid aortic valve and an isolated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are also rare causes. […] There is a TAA association with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm, renal cysts, and bovine aortic arch.
  • #73 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Practice Essentials, Anatomy, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/424904-overview
    Aneurysmal degeneration occurs more commonly in the aging population. Aging results in changes in collagen and elastin, which lead to weakening of the aortic wall and aneurysmal dilation. According to the law of Laplace, luminal dilation results in increased wall tension and the vicious cycle of progressive dilation and greater wall stress. Pathologic sequelae of the aging aorta include elastic fiber fragmentation and cystic medial necrosis. Arteriosclerotic (degenerative) disease is the most common cause of thoracic aneurysms. […] A previous aortic dissection with a persistent false channel may produce aneurysmal dilation; such aneurysms are the second most common type. False aneurysms are more common in the descending aorta and arise from the extravasation of blood into a tenuous pocket contained by the aortic adventitia. Because of increasing wall stress, false aneurysms tend to enlarge over time.
  • #74 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes and Treatment | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Infections: Tertiary syphilis. Mycotic aneurysm. HIV. […] Aortitis – eg, from giant cell arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Behet’s disease, Takayasu’s arteritis or retroperitoneal fibrosis. […] Aortic dissection may be a cause (or a result) of TAA. […] Pregnancy is a risk factor for aneurysm dissection. […] Trauma. […] Weightlifting, cocaine and amphetamine use may be involved in causing TAA and/or aortic dissection – perhaps because of the large rises in blood pressure which occur during these activities. […] These factors probably result in an increased rate of growth of aneurysms: Hypertension is the major risk factor for thoracic aortic disease. […] Increasing age. […] Smoking. […] Hyperlipidaemia. […] Obstructive sleep apnoea. […] Bicuspid or unicuspid aortic valves. […] Atherosclerosis. […] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). […] Chronic kidney disease. […] Previous aortic aneurysm repair. […] Turner syndrome – may be a risk factor. […] Cocaine.
  • #75 Thoracic Aneurysm & Dissection | UWMTAP
    https://sites.uw.edu/uwmtap/thoracic-aneurysm-dissection/
    An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of the aorta. If the aneurysm continues to expand, it can rupture. This can cause life-threatening internal bleeding. Aneurysms can be caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. In atherosclerosis, the buildup of fat and cholesterol causes the aortic wall to break down and become weak. Patients with Marfan syndrome, a condition resulting in abnormal fibrillin, commonly develop aortic aneurysms. Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a collagen disorder, also causes similar clinical findings in some patients. Other disorders associated with aortic aneurysms include Turners syndrome, polycystic kidney disease, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, syphilis, arteritis, and traumatic injury (1). […] Type B aortic dissection occurs when there is an intimal tear present beyond the subclavian artery. However, this tear can also form in the aortic arch. The false channel can develop distally into the descending and abdominal aorta.
  • #76 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: Causes and Treatment | Doctor
    https://patient.info/doctor/thoracic-aortic-aneurysms
    Infections: Tertiary syphilis. Mycotic aneurysm. HIV. […] Aortitis – eg, from giant cell arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Behet’s disease, Takayasu’s arteritis or retroperitoneal fibrosis. […] Aortic dissection may be a cause (or a result) of TAA. […] Pregnancy is a risk factor for aneurysm dissection. […] Trauma. […] Weightlifting, cocaine and amphetamine use may be involved in causing TAA and/or aortic dissection – perhaps because of the large rises in blood pressure which occur during these activities. […] These factors probably result in an increased rate of growth of aneurysms: Hypertension is the major risk factor for thoracic aortic disease. […] Increasing age. […] Smoking. […] Hyperlipidaemia. […] Obstructive sleep apnoea. […] Bicuspid or unicuspid aortic valves. […] Atherosclerosis. […] Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). […] Chronic kidney disease. […] Previous aortic aneurysm repair. […] Turner syndrome – may be a risk factor. […] Cocaine.
  • #77 Thoracic aortic aneurysm | Radiology Reference Article | Radiopaedia.org
    https://radiopaedia.org/articles/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm?lang=us
    Thoracic aortic aneurysms can be divided pathologically according to their relationship to the aortic wall: […] true aneurysm […] atherosclerotic aneurysms (most common) […] inflammatory/aortitis […] rheumatoid arthritis (RA) […] ankylosing spondylitis […] Takayasu arteritis […] giant cell arteritis (GCA) […] syphilis […] connective tissue disease […] cystic medial necrosis […] Marfan disease […] Ehlers-Danlos syndrome […] Loeys-Dietz syndrome […] bicuspid aortic valve […] ciprofloxacin use (maybe quinolone class effect) […] quinolones promote loss of extracellular structural integrity, by several non-antimicrobial mechanisms […] in the UK, caution is now advised in using quinolones in high-risk patients […] false aneurysm […] trauma […] post-surgery […] mycotic aneurysms.
  • #78 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Practice Essentials, Anatomy, Pathophysiology
    https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/424904-overview
    The true etiology of aortic aneurysms is probably multifactorial, and the condition occurs in individuals with multiple risk factors. Risk factors include smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, atherosclerosis, male sex, older age, high body mass index (BMI), bicuspid or unicuspid aortic valves, genetic disorders, and family history. […] In late 2018, the FDA issued a warning that fluoroquinolone use could increase the risk of AA and urged healthcare providers to avoid prescribing these antibiotics to patients with or at risk for an AA, such as those with peripheral atherosclerotic vascular disease, hypertension, or certain genetic conditions (eg, Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), as well as the elderly.
  • #79 Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554567/
    Male gender, increased age, history of hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary artery disease, smoking, and previous aortic dissection are risk factors of TAA. […] A family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm is a strong risk factor, as about 20% of cases of TAA are a consequence of genetic conditions. […] Only 5% of the patients have Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Deitz syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. […] Left-sided valvular endocarditis can rarely result in an aortic root dilation. […] Syphilis used to be the leading cause of aortic aneurysms before the advent of antibiotics. […] Arteritis, including Takayasu, Behet, giant cell, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis, can involve the aorta in rare instances and result in an aneurysm. […] A bicuspid aortic valve and an isolated sinus of Valsalva aneurysm are also rare causes. […] There is a TAA association with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, intracranial aneurysm, renal cysts, and bovine aortic arch.
  • #80 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_aortic_aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is the „ballooning” of the upper aspect of the aorta, above the diaphragm. […] There are a number of causes, Aneurysms in patients younger than 40 usually involve the ascending aorta due to a weakening of the aortic wall associated with connective tissue disorders like the Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes or congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Younger patients may develop aortic aneurysms of the thoracoabdominal aorta after an aortic dissection. […] Atherosclerosis is the principal cause of descending aortic aneurysms, while aneurysms of the aortic arch may be due to dissection, atherosclerosis, or inflammation. […] Hypertension and cigarette smoking are the most important risk factors, though the importance of genetic factors has been increasingly recognized. Approximately 10 percent of patients may have other family members who have aortic aneurysms. It is also important to note that individuals with a history of aneurysms in other parts of the body have a higher chance of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
  • #81 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_aortic_aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is the „ballooning” of the upper aspect of the aorta, above the diaphragm. […] There are a number of causes, Aneurysms in patients younger than 40 usually involve the ascending aorta due to a weakening of the aortic wall associated with connective tissue disorders like the Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes or congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Younger patients may develop aortic aneurysms of the thoracoabdominal aorta after an aortic dissection. […] Atherosclerosis is the principal cause of descending aortic aneurysms, while aneurysms of the aortic arch may be due to dissection, atherosclerosis, or inflammation. […] Hypertension and cigarette smoking are the most important risk factors, though the importance of genetic factors has been increasingly recognized. Approximately 10 percent of patients may have other family members who have aortic aneurysms. It is also important to note that individuals with a history of aneurysms in other parts of the body have a higher chance of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
  • #82 Aortic aneurysms: current pathogenesis and therapeutic targets | Experimental & Molecular Medicine
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-023-01130-w
    Aortic aneurysm is a chronic disease characterized by localized expansion of the aorta, including the ascending aorta, arch, descending aorta, and abdominal aorta. […] Aortic aneurysms are generally classified as thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs), which form in the ascending aorta, the arch, or the aorta above the diaphragm, or abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), which are localized in the aorta below the diaphragm in the supra- or infrarenal regions. […] Although distinct pathological mechanisms are present in TAA and AAA, many risk factors for aortic aneurysms are shared, including age, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, male sex, white race, and a positive family history. […] Multiple pathological processes, including extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown, inflammation, phenotype switching of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), oxidative stress, and neovascularization, contribute to this process.
  • #83 Aortic aneurysms: current pathogenesis and therapeutic targets | Experimental & Molecular Medicine
    https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-023-01130-w
    The loss of structural integrity due to vascular SMC dysfunction, including apoptosis and ECM degradation, leads to weakness and dilatation of the aortic wall, which are hallmarks of aortic aneurysm. […] An imbalance in reparative/ECM production and inflammatory/ECM degradation in SMCs that underwent phenotypic switching and are known as synthetic SMCs in response to constant pathological stimuli damages the aortic wall, leading to dilatation and rupture in aortic aneurysms. […] The components of the transforming growth factor- (TGF-) signaling pathway, including receptors and SMAD proteins, are fundamental for synthesizing SMC contractile proteins, ECM proteins, elastin, and collagen. […] Mutations in the genes involved in the canonical TGF- signaling pathway, including TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD3, SMAD4, and TGF-2, have been identified as predisposing factors for aortic aneurysms and dissections with Marfanoid features.
  • #84 Thoracic aortic aneurysm – Wikipedia
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thoracic_aortic_aneurysm
    A thoracic aortic aneurysm is the „ballooning” of the upper aspect of the aorta, above the diaphragm. […] There are a number of causes, Aneurysms in patients younger than 40 usually involve the ascending aorta due to a weakening of the aortic wall associated with connective tissue disorders like the Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes or congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Younger patients may develop aortic aneurysms of the thoracoabdominal aorta after an aortic dissection. […] Atherosclerosis is the principal cause of descending aortic aneurysms, while aneurysms of the aortic arch may be due to dissection, atherosclerosis, or inflammation. […] Hypertension and cigarette smoking are the most important risk factors, though the importance of genetic factors has been increasingly recognized. Approximately 10 percent of patients may have other family members who have aortic aneurysms. It is also important to note that individuals with a history of aneurysms in other parts of the body have a higher chance of developing a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
  • #85
    https://www.omim.org/entry/607086
    Thoracic aortic aneurysm with dissection (e.g., AAT3 and AAT5) can occur as a manifestation of the Loeys-Dietz syndrome (see LDS2, 610168 and LDS1, 609192, caused by mutation in the TGFBR2 (190182) and TGFBR1 (190181) genes, respectively). […] Pyeritz (2014) reviewed heritable thoracic aortic disorders with particular attention to causative genes, including components of the extracellular matrix, vascular smooth muscle cytoskeleton, and TGF-beta and other signaling pathways.
  • #86 Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm | Frankel Cardiovascular Center | Michigan Medicine
    https://www.umcvc.org/conditions-treatments/thoracic-aortic-aneurysm
    Thoracic aortic aneurysms, even those that are large, frequently do not cause symptoms. […] Risk factors for a thoracic aortic aneurysm include: Genetic variants (Marfan, Loeys-Dietz and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, familial thoracic aortic aneurysm, bicuspid aortic valve), High blood pressure (hypertension), Age, Smoking. […] We continue to discover innovative and improved treatment options for aortic diseases. The University of Michigan is home to the International Registry of Aortic Dissection and several research laboratories that are exploring the molecular etiologies of aortic diseases.