Aortic unfolding

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Aortic unfolding is an

chest X-ray, that shows widening of the mediastinum which may mimic the appearance of a thoracic aortic aneurysm.[1]

With aging, the ascending portion of the thoracic aorta increases in length by approximately 12% per decade, whereas the diameter increases by just 3% per decade. This elongation causes the ascending aorta to appear as a vertical shadow on the left heart border. Unfolding is often associated with aortic calcification which implies aortic degeneration and hypertension. [2] Aortic unfolding, though not serious, should be differentiated from the more severe dissection of the aorta.[citation needed]

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