The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body, carrying oxygen-rich blood from the heart through the chest and abdomen. Infections or inflammation affecting the aorta can weaken the vessel wall, disrupt blood flow and lead to life-threatening complications. These conditions require prompt diagnosis and specialized care from experienced cardiovascular teams.

Normally strong and flexible, the aortic walls are constantly under pressure from the blood that flows through them. A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm occurs when the section of the aorta that extends through both the chest and abdomen begins to weaken and balloon outward. As the weakened wall deteriorates, the risk of an aortic rupture increases. A ruptured thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is a medical emergency that can cause life‑threatening bleeding.

What Are the Risk Factors?

Some of the main risk factors for aortic disease are getting older and smoking. As we age, the walls of the aorta can become stiffer and less flexible, increasing the risk of degeneration, tearing, or rupture. Smoking (tobacco use) increases inflammation in the aortic wall, which causes the wall to weaken over time. Other factors that can increase the risk include:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Diabetes
• Chronic inflammation
• Certain genetic mutations
• A family history of aortic disease
• Serious injury to the chest or abdomen

What Are the Symptoms of a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

A thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm often has no symptoms and may be detected during a diagnostic imaging scan, such as a chest X‑ray, performed for an unrelated reason. However, some people may experience warning signs such as:

• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Back pain
• A pulsing feeling in the stomach

How Is a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?

If an aortic aneurysm is suspected, a physician will typically order a specialized test, such as an echocardiogram, CT scan, or MRI, as part of the diagnostic process. Because advanced age and smoking are major risk factors for aortic aneurysms, preventive screening may be considered for a male smoker who is age 60 or older.

How Is a Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treated?

The goal of aneurysm treatment is to prevent rupture. Common options include medical monitoring, open abdominal surgery, and endovascular surgery. The optimal treatment approach can vary depending on the size of the aneurysm and other patient‑specific factors.

At Tampa General Hospital, one of Florida’s top aortic centers by volume and outcomes, vascular experts take a multidisciplinary approach to care. Advanced technologies allow us to treat thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms safely and efficiently.

Benefit From World-Class Care at TGH

The multidisciplinary team at Tampa General Hospital’s Heart and Vascular Institute delivers comprehensive, personalized care for patients with cardiovascular conditions. We are proud to offer advanced treatment options for thoracic aortic aneurysms, including TEVAR. Recognized for excellence, TGH is ranked as a Top 50 in the Nation for Heart & Vascular Care by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-26.

As a leading academic health system, Tampa General collaborates with the University of South Florida (USF) Health Morsani College of Medicine on innovative research and groundbreaking clinical trials. We are also trusted to manage some of the nation’s most complex cardiac cases, all while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety and comfort.

If you would like to request a consultation with a specialist on our team, please contact us at (800) 844-3900 or email us at AorticDiseaseProgram@tgh.org.