Final answer:
A Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm should be referred to a specialist when it is large, growing, causing symptoms, or the patient has increased risk factors. Specialists for this condition include cardiovascular or vascular surgeons who can manage it through surgery or monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA) occurs when the walls of the thoracic aorta weaken and bulge abnormally. The thoracic aorta is the portion of the aorta that runs through the chest cavity and includes branches such as the visceral and parietal branches, which supply blood to the lungs, esophagus, and thoracic muscles. In the context of a TAA, referral to a specialist is typically recommended when the aneurysm is large, rapidly growing, symptomatic, or when the patient has underlying health conditions that could exacerbate the risk of rupture. Such a specialist could be a cardiovascular surgeon or a vascular surgeon, who are equipped to evaluate the severity of the aneurysm and recommend appropriate interventions, whether that be surgical repair or conservative management with close monitoring.
When it comes to the thoracic aorta, it begins at the level of vertebra T5 and extends to T12 at the diaphragm. The descending aorta continues close to the bodies of the vertebrae and through the aortic hiatus, above which it is called the thoracic aorta and below which it is known as the abdominal aorta. This distinction is crucial for understanding where a TAA is located and the potential areas at risk of blood supply disruption.