What Is an Aortic Ulcer?

Aortic Ulcer Symptoms

The most common symptoms of an aortic ulcer are severe chest and back pain. Other symptoms someone with an aortic ulcer might experience include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Excessive sweating
• Pale skin
• Nausea
• Anxiety

Aortic Ulcer Factors

Aortic ulcers are uncommon and most often diagnosed in older people. The risk of developing atherosclerosis, and consequently a penetrating aortic ulcer, is increased by the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Family history of atherosclerosis
• Obesity
• Age
• Moyamoya disease
• Arterial dissection
• Fibromuscular dysplasia
• Takayasu's arteritis

Aortic Ulcer Diagnosis

Early and accurate diagnosis of an aortic ulcer is important to avoid complications. In addition to performing a physical examination, your doctor will usually order one or more of the following imaging tests to help diagnose the condition:

• Computed tomography scan (CT): A CT scan creates cross-sectional images of the body using x-ray imaging technology.
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): A type of magnetic resonance imaging, MRA is specifically designed to look at blood vessels.
• Transesophageal echocardiography: In this test, an ultrasound probe is inserted through the esophagus to view the aorta using high-frequency sound waves.
• Aortic angiogram: This procedure uses a special dye and x-rays to view blood flowing through the aorta.

In addition, your healthcare provider may order blood tests or other laboratory tests to rule out other conditions such as heart attack.

Aortic Ulcer Treatment

The goal of treatment is to prevent an aortic ulcer from developing into an aortic aneurysm or aortic dissection. Nonsurgical ways to accomplish this include:

• Active surveillance: Also called “watchful waiting,” active surveillance is regular monitoring of the aortic ulcer using the same imaging tests utilized in diagnosis.
• Medication: Your physicians may prescribe medicines to control coronary artery disease.

If your aortic ulcer occurs in the ascending section of the aorta or if it cannot be managed with medication, surgery may be required. Surgery for an aortic ulcer typically centers on the removal of the damaged section of the aorta and placing a graft in its place.