Stable Descending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Growing Abdominal Aneurysm in A Young Hypertensive Male Refusing Surgery

Abstract

Aortic aneurysm, due to degeneration of elastic and muscle tissues, is a silent disease made deadly by dissection, with aneurysm size as the best predictor of rupture. Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) have the same risk factors, although TAA is more likely to be manifestations of genetic abnormalities of connective tissue [1]. For both, the most strongly associated modifiable risk factor is smoking, followed by atherosclerotic disease, hypertension, and obesity. Non-modifiable risk factors include increasing age, male sex, family history, and Caucasian race.