Aortic diseases

Abstract

Aneurysms are the most important disorder that affects the aorta. Aneurysms involving the abdominal aorta are typically associated with atherosclerosis, whereas those involving the thoracic aorta have many causes, including congenital abnormalities in the structure of the aortic wall. This chapter will discuss thoracic aortic aneurysms, such as Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, and familial thoracic aortic aneurysm syndrome, and also abdominal aortic aneurysms. © 2006 Humana Press Inc.