What are the Different Types of Aortic Aneurysms?

Types of Aortic Aneurysms: Abdominal vs. Thoracic Explained

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to different parts of the body. If a balloon-like swelling or bulge is seen in the artery, this condition is known as an aortic aneurysm. It occurs when a weakened area in the wall of the aorta expands under pressure. Read this guide to get a detailed idea about the same.

Different Types of Aortic Aneurysms   

Cardiologists classify aortic aneurysms depending on their location along the aorta. There are two main types of aortic aneurysms: abdominal aortic aneurysms and thoracic aortic aneurysms.

What are Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs)?

It is a bulge in the lower part of your body’s aorta, specifically in the abdominal region. This condition arises when the aorta becomes weak and widens, causing it to form a balloon-like shape. AAAs are more common in male patients over 60 years of age and can get worse due to frequent smoking or high blood pressure.

1. Symptoms 

Abdominal aortic aneurysms do not cause any symptoms until they rupture, but they can rarely create pulsating tension deep in the abdomen, vague abdominal/back discomfort, or flank/groin pain. In case of any rupture in the AAA, it is a medical emergency, causing low blood pressure, severe pain, and other related symptoms.   

2. Causes 

The fundamental pathology is degeneration and weakening of the aortic wall. While the exact molecular mechanisms are complex and studied, the primary causes of this weakening in most cases are well-established: atherosclerosis, chronic inflammation, and enzymatic degradation of structural proteins (elastin, collagen). Still, certain factors like atherosclerosis, lifestyle choices (smoking, high BP), and genetics can contribute to its development.   

What are Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (TAA)?   

A thoracic aortic aneurysm is the formation of a bulge-like structure in the aortic wall near the chest area. This is an extremely critical condition; any rupture in your aortic wall can lead to severe internal bleeding and even death.

Though many patients do not experience symptoms, some common symptoms occur, such as pain in the chest, abdomen, or back. This occurs as the aneurysm puts pressure on nearby structures.

Symptoms

1. Pain: Intense abdominal pain, back pain, or chest pain.
2. Respiratory Issues: Hoarseness in voice, difficulty in breathing, or coughing are some common symptoms of TAA.
3. Swelling: Large TAAs can rarely cause superior vena cava syndrome (facial/arm swelling, plethora) if they compress the SVC.
4. Uncommon Symptoms:Other uncommon symptoms include low blood pressure, loss of consciousness.  

Causes

1. Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup in the artery walls can cause thoracic aorta aneurysms.
2. High Blood Pressure: Increased pressure on the inner lining of the walls of your weakened area.
3. High Cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol contribute to plaque buildup.
4. Inflammation: Certain conditions, such as Takayasu's arteritis or giant cell arteritis, can damage the aorta.
5. Congenital: Aortic problems or heart defects during birth can lead to the development of aneurysms.  

Complications of Abdominal Aneurysms and Thoracic Aneurysms

Common complications of abdominal aneurysms are aortic dissection and rupture.

• Rupture : Rupture is the condition where the aneurysm's wall bursts and can lead to severe bleeding. It is higher in larger aneurysms and exhibits symptoms like severe abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, clammy skin, and rapid heartbeat.  
• Aortic Dissection : It exhibits a tear in the inner lining of your aorta and extends into the middle layers, potentially causing blood leakage into the artery wall. Reduced blood flow due to narrowing of the aorta can cause sudden pain in your back or abdomen.

These conditions, if left untreated, can cause severe complications, such as aortic dissection or rupture. Seeking proper medical help from healthcare providers can guide you to get the best possible treatments.