Localised aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta.

The clinical, roentgenographic and aortographic data were reviewed in 12 patients with localised descending, thoracic aortic aneurysms. The current study indicates that arteriosclerotic peripheral vascular disease not infrequently produced localised saccular aneurysms of the descending thoracic aorta. Characteristic symptomatology was unusual; most aneurysms were detected as incidental roentgenographic findings. The aneurysms projected from the posteroloteral aspect of the aorta and roentgenographically appeared as left hilar masses or left retrocardiac masses when located in the mid and lower descending thoracic aorta, respectively. Specific rim calcification or vertebral erosion was not encountered in any case. During aortography only a small portion of the aneurysm was outlined with contrast material due to partial obliteration of the aneurysmal cavity with thrombus.