Diseases of the aorta

Diseases of the aorta include a wide spectrum of diseases: aneurysms, acute aortic syndrome, traumatic injuries, genetic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and congenital pathology. Because of their frequency and severity, this update will focus on abdominal aortic aneurysms, descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (including thoracoabdominal aneurysms) and acute aortic syndrome (encompassing aortic dissections, intramural haematoma, and acute penetrating ulcer). It is very important to know the diagnostic and therapeutic methods for these diseases to control/treat their natural history. Aneurysms are mainly diagnosed incidentally, many are asymptomatic. Appropriate follow-up (small cross-sectional diameter aneurysms) and elective surgery (applying the correct indications) are the cornerstones to reduce mortality caused by the rupture of these aneurysms. In acute aortic syndrome, precise knowledge of the cause (differential diagnosis) and correct therapeutic decisions enable the best clinical outcome. It is also important to highlight the role of endovascular techniques which have improved early results in patients with acceptable anatomical requirements. These are the techniques of choice in certain anatomical areas and in high-risk patients.