Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
What are the signs and symptoms of the disease?
Many people have no symptoms. A thoracic aortic aneurysm may be found accidentally as part of the testing for another problem. When symptoms do occur, may they include:
chest pain, neck pain, or back pain
coughing and shortness of breath, due to pressure on the windpipe or congestive heart failure
difficulty swallowing, due to pressure on the food tube, called the esophagus
a hoarse voice, due to pressure on a nerve in the neck
a small pupil and droopy eyelid on one side of the face, known as ptosis. These changes are caused by pressure on a different nerve in the neck.
swelling in the neck and arms, due to pressure on other major blood
vessels
The healthcare provider may detect the abnormal eye findings or a change in the
position of the windpipe. He or she may also be able to hear a heart murmur during a physical exam if the condition has affected a valve in the heart.
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