Aneurysm of the aortic arch

An aneurysm of the arch of the aorta is more often a consequence of its atherosclerotic lesion, less often it occurs as a result of closed trauma of the thorax. At the same time, a significant period (from 3 months to 20 years) can pass from the moment of trauma to the development of an aneurysm.

Symptoms, course. Atherosclerotic lesions are noted in patients aged around 60 years. The clinical picture is caused by an atherosclerotic lesion of the blood vessels of the heart, the brain, locally there may be phenomena of compression of the branches of the arch of the aorta. In the traumatic origin of an aneurysm, pain in the chest, recurrent nerve paresis, and dyspnea are characteristic. An x-ray examination of the chest is important, revealing the expansion and calcification of the aortic arch. Aortography can accurately establish the nature of changes in the aortic wall.

Treatment is operative - prosthetics of the arch of the aorta and its branches.

The prognosis is serious.