Importance of Thoracic Aorta Imaging in Hypertensive Patients: A Case Report.

• Authors: Randi Goldstein, Mercer University School of Medicine; Edward Chen, Emory University; Gina Price Lundberg, Emory University
• Journal Title: American Journal of Medical Case Reports
• Volume: Volume 5, Number 12
• Publisher: Science and Education Publishing | 2018-01-05, Pages 289-292
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, General
• Keywords: thoracic aorta; anuerysm; Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension, a prevalent condition in the United States and in the developed world, is a significant risk factor associated with aortic aneurysms. This case study describes a 7.3cm Transverse Aortic Arch Aneurysm identified in a 56-year-old female with a history of smoking and essential hypertension. The size, location, age of the patient, and the fact that this aneurysm was an incidental finding make this case novel. The size of this aneurysm and its ability to remain undetected for such an extended period of time was remarkable, but not unusual for this disease process. Based on current guidelines, this patient was not an appropriate candidate for screening via aortic imaging.