Cardiovascular · UKMLA & AKT

Thoracic aortic aneurysm

A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise thoracic aortic aneurysm — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.

Key high-yield points

  • Permanent dilatation of the thoracic aorta ≥1.5× expected normal diameter (true aneurysm - all 3 layers involved)
  • Normal ascending aorta ~3.0-3.5 cm; descending ~2.0-2.5 cm
  • Most common segment: ascending aorta; least common (highest operative risk): aortic arch
  • Majority are asymptomatic - discovered incidentally on imaging

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