Hyperplastic Cellular Remodeling of the Media in Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract

The mechanisms for luminal enlargement in thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms differ significantly with regard to the survival of VSMCs and atrophy of the media but share common pathophysiology involving degeneration of the matrix. Hyperplastic cellular remodeling of the media in ascending thoracic aortic aneurysms may be an initial adaptive response to minimize increased wall stress resulting from vascular dilatation.