RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Thoracic aortic aneurysm: How to counsel, when to refer JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO Cleve Clin J Med FD Cleveland Clinic SP 481 OP 492 DO 10.3949/ccjm.85a.17039 VO 85 IS 6 A1 Frank Cikach A1 Milind Y. Desai A1 Eric E. Roselli A1 Vidyasagar Kalahasti YR 2018 UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/85/6/481.abstract AB 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.