Thoracic aortic aneurysms were detected in 72 residents (44 women and 28 men) in a
stable midwestern community over a 30-year period, for an age-and sex-adjusted incidence
of 5.9 new aneurysms per 100,000 person-years. The incidence was equal in both sexes
and decreased slightly over the 30 years. Ages ranged from 47 to 93 years (median 65
years for men and 77 years for women). The ascending aorta was involved in 37 patients,
the aortic arch in 8, and the descending aorta in 27. Pathologic examination was performed …