UMM logo

Maryland Heart Center

What is a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm?

What is a Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm? | Symptoms | Diagnosis and Prevention | Surgical Treatments

 

Symptoms

The majority of patients have no symptoms at the time an aneurysm is discovered. In fact, aneurysms are often detected on tests that were performed for entirely different reasons.

Aneurysms may develop slowly over many years and often have no symptoms until they rupture. If the aneurysm expands rapidly, tears open (ruptured aneurysm), or blood leaks along the wall of the vessel (aortic dissection), the above symptoms may develop suddenly.

Acute symptoms of dissection or rupture can include chest or back pain (between the shoulders, or lower back). Any sudden onset of chest pain should warrant immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of rupture may include:


Please call if you would like to make an appointment or talk to someone about our services. Patients dial 1-800-492-5538 or 410-328-5842, physicians dial 410-328-6622 or 1-800-318-1019.