Diseases of the Aorta

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It carries blood directly from the heart and supplies the entire body through its branches. The part of the aorta that is located in the chest is called the thoracic aorta, and the portion in the abdomen is called the abdominal aorta. After it enters the abdomen, the aorta branches off to the intestines and kidneys. Finally it enters the pelvis where it divides further into two vessels (iliac arteries) that supply the legs and lower body.

There is a broad range of aortic diseases, including:

• Aortic aneurysms
• Aortic arch syndrome
• Aortic insufficiency
• Aortic intramural hematoma
• Aortic occlusive disease
• Aortic penetrating ulcer
• Aortic valvular disease
• Aortitis
• Bicuspid aortic valve
• Congenital and hereditary aortic defects, including marfan syndrome
• Degenerative aortic disease
• Mycotic aortic aneurysm, Pseudoaneurysm
• Traumatic aortic injury

To learn more about Diseases of the Aorta, please visit the links in the menu on the left. There you will find detailed information about various diagnoses, causes and risk factors, as well as prevention, screening and treatment options.