TY - JOUR T1 - Thoracic aortic aneurysm: How to counsel, when to refer JF - Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO - Cleve Clin J Med SP - 481 LP - 492 DO - 10.3949/ccjm.85a.17039 VL - 85 IS - 6 AU - Frank Cikach AU - Milind Y. Desai AU - Eric E. Roselli AU - Vidyasagar Kalahasti Y1 - 2018/06/01 UR - http://www.ccjm.org/content/85/6/481.abstract N2 - Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is usually clinically silent and progresses slowly until a tipping point is reached, after which the aortic diameter can expand more rapidly and the condition can potentially end in aortic dissection or rupture. Causes include bicuspid aortic valve and genetic syndromes (Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes) and familial associations, but many cases are idiopathic. Clinicians should therefore be alert for clues on chest imaging, and consider screening in first-degree relatives of patients known to have aortic disease. Early referral to a cardiologist specializing in aortic disease is key. ER -