My Approach To Stable Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

My first step in the evaluation and management of a patient with a stable thoracic aortic aneurysm is to determine the etiology. While most thoracic aneurysms are idiopathic, one should look for evidence of Marfan syndrome or other connective tissue disorders, an underlying bicuspid aortic valve, a family history of thoracic aortic aneurysm or dissection, or evidence of aortitis. While conclusions will be drawn from the diagnostic imaging data, when there is suspicion of aortitis, measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein may be valuable.
Source: Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine - Category: Cardiology Authors: Source Type: research