title: Aneurysmal disease: thoracic aorta.
abstract: Thoracic aortic aneurysms are clinically significant for their high mortality risk in the face of rupture. This article reviews the natural history and pathophysiology of thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, discusses the evaluation of these patients, and details the treatment options. Specifically discussed are treatment advances arising from the development of endovascular technology.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. awhoel@nmh.org
authors.forename: Andrew W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Hoel
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017545:Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D019917:Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation / Q000379:methods; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000151:congenital; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D057510:Endovascular Procedures / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D016540:Smoking Cessation
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D004318:Doxycycline
keywords: Aneurysm; Endovascular surgery; Thoracic aorta; Thoracoabdominal aorta