Aortic aneurysm – current state of knowledge analysis

Introduction: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are rare vascular pathologies involving the aorta from the descending thoracic to the abdominal segments. Due to their asymptomatic progression and high risk of rupture, they present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Althoug...

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Main Authors: Wiktor Kruczek, Barbara Jelonek, Julia Durlak
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń 2025-06-01
Series:Quality in Sport
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Online Access:https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/60437
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author Wiktor Kruczek
Barbara Jelonek
Julia Durlak
author_facet Wiktor Kruczek
Barbara Jelonek
Julia Durlak
author_sort Wiktor Kruczek
collection DOAJ
description Introduction: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are rare vascular pathologies involving the aorta from the descending thoracic to the abdominal segments. Due to their asymptomatic progression and high risk of rupture, they present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although endovascular repair has become increasingly common, open surgical repair remains essential for complex or extensive aneurysms. Aim of the study: This study aims to summarize current knowledge on the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and classical surgical treatment of TAAAs. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted focusing on diagnostic modalities, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes. Special emphasis was placed on Crawford’s classification and protective measures during open repair. Results: TAAAs represent ~3% of all aortic aneurysms. Risk of rupture rises significantly with diameter, exceeding 14% annually for aneurysms >6 cm. CT angiography remains the diagnostic gold standard. Point-of-care ultrasound and MRI are useful adjuncts. Open surgery, although technically demanding, remains essential for extensive disease. Perioperative complications include spinal cord injury and renal failure. Techniques such as cerebrospinal fluid drainage and left heart bypass improve safety and outcomes. Conclusion: Open repair of TAAAs remains a key therapeutic approach. Early detection, optimal imaging, and tailored intraoperative strategies are essential to reduce complications and improve prognosis.
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publisher Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń
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spelling doaj-art-9990ef2e39d04189b2b31ee0988c68d82025-08-20T02:24:22ZengNicolaus Copernicus University in ToruńQuality in Sport2450-31182025-06-014210.12775/QS.2025.42.60437Aortic aneurysm – current state of knowledge analysisWiktor Kruczek0https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5193-2074Barbara Jelonek1https://orcid.org/0009-0007-5238-0710Julia Durlak2https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4601-1609Department of General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 45-47 Ziołowa Street, 40-635 Katowice, PolandStudents’ scientific circle at the Department of General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 45-47 Ziołowa Street, 40-635 Katowice, PolandStudents’ scientific circle at the Department of General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Angiology and Phlebology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, 45-47 Ziołowa Street, 40-635 Katowice, Poland Introduction: Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) are rare vascular pathologies involving the aorta from the descending thoracic to the abdominal segments. Due to their asymptomatic progression and high risk of rupture, they present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although endovascular repair has become increasingly common, open surgical repair remains essential for complex or extensive aneurysms. Aim of the study: This study aims to summarize current knowledge on the etiology, classification, diagnosis, and classical surgical treatment of TAAAs. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted focusing on diagnostic modalities, surgical techniques, and clinical outcomes. Special emphasis was placed on Crawford’s classification and protective measures during open repair. Results: TAAAs represent ~3% of all aortic aneurysms. Risk of rupture rises significantly with diameter, exceeding 14% annually for aneurysms >6 cm. CT angiography remains the diagnostic gold standard. Point-of-care ultrasound and MRI are useful adjuncts. Open surgery, although technically demanding, remains essential for extensive disease. Perioperative complications include spinal cord injury and renal failure. Techniques such as cerebrospinal fluid drainage and left heart bypass improve safety and outcomes. Conclusion: Open repair of TAAAs remains a key therapeutic approach. Early detection, optimal imaging, and tailored intraoperative strategies are essential to reduce complications and improve prognosis. https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/60437Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysmopen surgeryaneurysm ruptureperioperative management
spellingShingle Wiktor Kruczek
Barbara Jelonek
Julia Durlak
Aortic aneurysm – current state of knowledge analysis
Quality in Sport
Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm
open surgery
aneurysm rupture
perioperative management
title Aortic aneurysm – current state of knowledge analysis
title_full Aortic aneurysm – current state of knowledge analysis
title_fullStr Aortic aneurysm – current state of knowledge analysis
title_full_unstemmed Aortic aneurysm – current state of knowledge analysis
title_short Aortic aneurysm – current state of knowledge analysis
title_sort aortic aneurysm current state of knowledge analysis
topic Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm
open surgery
aneurysm rupture
perioperative management
url https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/60437
work_keys_str_mv AT wiktorkruczek aorticaneurysmcurrentstateofknowledgeanalysis
AT barbarajelonek aorticaneurysmcurrentstateofknowledgeanalysis
AT juliadurlak aorticaneurysmcurrentstateofknowledgeanalysis