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Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) is a chronic condition that manifests as progressive dilation of the thoracic aorta resulting from degradation of the normal smooth muscle cells and extracellular matrix proteins that provide integrity to the aortic wall. TAA is broadly classified into three categories based on cause:(1) degenerative,(2) genetically mediated, and (3) inflammatory (ie, aortitis). Degenerative aneurysms are the most common; are associated with advanced age; occur in the absence of a defined genetic aortopathy or familial clustering; and are associated with cardiovascular risk-factors, such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Genetically mediated TAAs are those that occur in the setting of a known clinical syndrome (eg, Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos) or in the setting of a genetic mutation in molecular pathways known to be associated with TAA (eg, transforming growth factor-b signaling pathway). 1

The prevalence …