Glossary

AORTIC DISEASE GLOSSARY

Because sometimes the hardest part of an aortic diagnosis is understanding the language.

A

Acute Aortic Syndrome (AAS) A group of sudden, potentially life-threatening conditions involving the aorta, including aortic dissection, intramural hematoma, and certain forms of aortic rupture.

AneurysmAn abnormal enlargement or bulging of the aorta.

AAA — Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm An aneurysm located in the abdominal portion of the aorta.

Aortic Arch The curved portion of the aorta between the ascending and descending aorta. It gives off arteries that supply blood to the head, neck, and arms.

Aortic Insufficiency Another term for aortic valve leakage, where blood flows backward through the valve.

Aortic Regurgitation (AR) Leakage of the aortic valve that allows blood to flow backward into the heart.

Aortic Root The section of the aorta immediately next to the heart that contains the aortic valve and the openings of the coronary arteries.

Aortic Stenosis (AS )Narrowing of the aortic valve, making it harder for blood to leave the heart.Note: This is different from narrowing of the aorta itself.

Aortic Valve The valve between the heart's left ventricle and the aorta. It opens to let blood out and closes to prevent blood from flowing backward.

Ascending Aorta The first portion of the aorta, extending upward from the heart.

B

Bicuspid Aortic Valve (BAV) An aortic valve with two leaflets instead of the usual three. BAV can be associated with aortic aneurysms, aortic valve disease, and dissection.

Blood Pressure The force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. Managing blood pressure is an important part of caring for many people with aortic disease.

C

CTA — Computed Tomography Angiography / CT Angiogram A CT scan performed with contrast to create detailed images of blood vessels, including the aorta.

CT Scan — Computed Tomography An imaging test that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

CT Gating / Cardiac Gating A technique that synchronizes CT imaging with the heartbeat to improve images of structures affected by heart motion.

Connective Tissue Disorder A condition that affects tissues responsible for providing structure and strength throughout the body. Some inherited connective tissue disorders can increase the risk of aortic disease.

Composite Aortic Root Replacement A surgical procedure in which both the aortic root and aortic valve are replaced, generally using a graft with a prosthetic valve.

D

Descending Aorta The portion of the aorta that travels downward through the chest and toward the abdomen.

Dilatation / Dilation An enlargement or widening of an anatomical structure. When referring to the aorta, it means the aorta is larger than expected.

E

Echocardiogram (Echo) An ultrasound test that creates images of the heart and can assess the heart chambers, valves, and portions of the aorta.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) A group of inherited connective tissue disorders. Certain types can increase the risk of aortic disease.

F

False Lumen The new channel created within the wall of the aorta when blood enters through a tear during an aortic dissection.

Familial Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection (FTAAD) A tendency toward thoracic aortic aneurysm and/or dissection that can occur in families, sometimes because of an inherited genetic variant.

G

Graft A tube made from synthetic or biological material that can be used to replace or reinforce a diseased section of the aorta.

H

Hypertension High blood pressure.

Hypothermic Circulatory Arrest (HCA) A technique used during certain complex aortic surgeries in which body temperature is lowered and circulation is temporarily stopped to allow surgeons to work on portions of the aorta.

I

Intramural Hematoma (IMH) Bleeding within the wall of the aorta without the classic tear seen in an aortic dissection. It is considered part of the acute aortic syndrome spectrum.

L

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome (LDS) An inherited connective tissue disorder that can significantly increase the risk of aneurysm and dissection throughout the arterial system.

M

Marfan Syndrome An inherited connective tissue disorder associated with an increased risk of aortic root enlargement and aortic dissection.

MRA — Magnetic Resonance Angiography An MRI-based imaging test used to create detailed pictures of blood vessels, including the aorta.

MRI — Magnetic Resonance Imaging An imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves rather than X-rays to create detailed images.

Medial Degeneration Changes within the middle layer of the aortic wall that can weaken the aorta and are associated with aneurysm and dissection.

P

Penetrating Atherosclerotic Ulcer (PAU) An ulcer that develops in an aortic wall affected by atherosclerosis and penetrates into deeper layers of the wall.

Pseudoaneurysm A contained collection of blood outside the normal layers of the arterial wall, often resulting from a leak or disruption rather than a true expansion of all layers of the artery wall.

R

Rupture A complete tear through the wall of the aorta that allows blood to escape from the vessel. An aortic rupture is a medical emergency.

S

Stent-Graft A fabric-covered metal framework placed inside the aorta to reinforce the vessel and redirect blood flow.

Stent-Graft Repair / Endovascular Repair A minimally invasive procedure in which a stent-graft is delivered through an artery—often through the groin—to treat certain aortic conditions.

T

TAA — Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm An aneurysm involving the portion of the aorta located in the chest.

Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm (TAAA) An aneurysm involving the descending thoracic aorta that extends into the abdominal aorta.

TEE — Transesophageal Echocardiogram An ultrasound of the heart and aorta performed using a probe placed into the esophagus. Because the esophagus sits close to the aorta, this can provide detailed images.

Type A Aortic Dissection A dissection involving the ascending aorta. It generally requires urgent evaluation and, in many cases, emergency surgery.

Type B Aortic Dissection A dissection involving the descending aorta without involvement of the ascending aorta.

Tricuspid Aortic Valve The usual form of the aortic valve, which has three leaflets.

Traumatic Aortic Injury / Transection Damage to the aorta caused by trauma, such as a serious motor vehicle accident. A complete tear through the aortic wall is sometimes called a transection.

🧬 GENETICS & AORTIC DISEASE

Some inherited conditions can increase the risk of aortic aneurysm, dissection, or other arterial problems. Examples include:

• Marfan syndrome

• Loeys-Dietz syndrome

• Certain forms of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

• Familial thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection

• Turner syndrome

Genetic evaluation may be recommended for some people with aortic disease, particularly when there is a family history, disease at a young age, or other features suggesting an inherited condition.

🫀 THE “DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK” LIST

If your doctor uses a term you don't understand, try:

“Can you explain that in plain English?”

“Can you show me where that is on my scan?”

“What does that mean for MY aorta?”

“Has this changed from my previous scan?”

“What should I be watching for?”

“Does this have a genetic component?”

“What questions should I be asking that I haven't thought of?”

Because knowing the words doesn't mean you understand the disease—and not knowing the words doesn't mean you aren't an empowered patient.

Aortic Hope's original glossary includes additional terminology and was developed as a resource for patients encountering these terms and may not be complete.