[Thoracic aorta aneurysms].
Thoracic aorta aneurysms are life-threatening diseases which can lead to rupture or dissection due to structural alterations. The exact etiology is still unclear but extended life-expectancy with arterial hypertension, positive family history for aneurysmic diseases, atherosclerosis, smoking and chronic obstructive lung disease are all considered to be risk factors. Nowadays, a diagnosis can often be made in the symptom-free stage. The risk of rupture varies between 46 and 74% for a diameter clearly greater than 5.5 cm and with a 2-year mortality rate of 70%. The 5-year survival rate with conservative treatment can be as low as 13-34% compared to 70-79% after optimal surgical treatment. Medical, operative and percutaneous interventional therapeutic strategies are basically available.
Akin
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Medizinische Klinik I-Kardiologie, Pulmologie, Internistische Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Rostock AöR, Ernst-Heydemann-Strasse 6, Rostock, Germany.
Kische
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Schneider
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Ince
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H
Nienaber
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CA
D000784:Aortic Dissection / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans