A thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) refers to an aneurysm that involves thoracic and abdominal aorta. The usually comprise of result from continuous dilation of the descending thoracic aorta extending into the abdominal aorta.
Pathology
Multiple configurations occur anywhere along the continuum from the origin of the left subclavian artery to the aortoiliac bifurcation.
Classification
They are stratified using the Crawford classification system based on their distribution within the aorta which are as follows
type I: descending thoracic aorta (distal to the left subclavian artery) to the abdominal aorta above the renal arteries.
type II: descending thoracic aorta (distal to the left subclavian artery) to the renal arteries and may continue on to the bifurcation.
type III: mid to distal descending thoracic aorta and involves most of the abdominal aorta as far as the bifurcation.
type IV: this includes the upper abdominal aorta and all or none of the infrarenal aorta, thus including the origins of the visceral arteries (renal, superior mesenteric and celiac).
type V: this extends from the distal thoracic aorta including the celiac and superior mesenteric origins, but not the renal arteries
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