radiological appearance of an aneurysm of the ascen. aorta

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • prominent ascending aorta in a young patient (patient less than 40 years of age)

  • the descending aorta (assessed on lateral film) has a disproportionately mild or even absent prominence

  • wide aortic arch

  • clues to the cause of an aneurysm include:

    • mild and generalized dilatation occurs with hypertension

    • in Marfan's syndrome - aneurysms generally occur in the ascending aorta and usually most marked in the region of the aortic sinuses. They result in aortic regurgitation

    • syphilis - aneurysms affect the ascending aorta. They are characterised by continuous, thin, curvilinear calcification (1)

    • atheromatous aneurysms - calcification consists of irregular, interrupted plaques. These forms of aneurysm are most common in the descending aorta

Reference:

  • Hampton J (1993). The patient with chest pain and breathlessness. Medicine International, 21(8), 289-91.