aneurysm, thoracic

aneurysm, thoracic An aneurysm of the largest artery in the body, the aorta, involving that vessel in its course within the thorax (chest). Because of the volume of blood flowing under relatively high pressure within the aorta, a ruptured aneurysm of the aorta is a catastrophe. See also aneurysm, abdominal aortic; aneurysm, aortic.