Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm: diagnosis and management.

Thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is defined as a focal and localized dilatation of the aorta 1.5 to 2 times the diameter of the normal adjacent aorta and containing all three layers of the arterial wall. Conventional open surgical repair remains the gold standard for the majority of the patients with thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Endovascular stent-graft aortic repair is a promising emerging therapy, which at present is considered an alternative to surgery in the elderly and in those with significant comorbid conditions. Adjunctive beta-blocker therapy should be used in all patients to reduce the shear force on the aortic wall.