Aneurysm

A CT chest scan can confirm the presence of an aneurysm, a balloon-like structure forming in the aeorta as a result of blood pushing on the walls, after a suspicious chest x-ray. Other times, a CT chest scan done for other reasons can reveal the presence of an aneurysm. As the aneurysm presses against the aeorta wall, it weakens the wall to the point where the wall may burst. This situation, called a ruptured aneurysm, can cause the patient to bleed to death in a very short amount of time. Aneurysms must be monitored to prevent rupture.