Thoracic aortic aneurysm physical examination
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Differentiating Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm from other Diseases |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
A large thoracic aortic aneurysm may be associated with findings on physical examination secondary to aortic insufficiency (wide pulse pressure, diastolic murmur, heart failure) and compression of adjacent structures such as the recurrent laryngeal nerve (hoarseness), superior vena cava obstruction (selling of the face and neck), and the airway (stridor and wheezing).
Physical Examination
General
- The patient may be hoarse in the presence of an arch aneurysm due to compression of the recurrent laryngeal nerve
Vitals
- A widened pulse pressure may be present due to aortic insufficiency in the presence of an ascending aortic aneurysm
Neck
- Signs of superior vena cava obstruction such as a swollen face and neck may be present in the presence of an ascending aortic aneurysm
Cardiac
- Signs of aortic insufficiency and left ventricular heart failure may be present in the presence of an ascending aortic aneurysm