my chest x-ray says that i have an unfolded aorta. i am 47 years old and in good health. i did a chest x-ray because i was getting mild pains in the left side of my chest that have lasted for about 3 weeks now.  what does an unfolded aorta mean, and is it serious.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Unfolded aorta is an anatomical variation of thoracic aorta. Normally thoracic aorta arising Fromm heart, going upwards and right side between two pulmonary veins and turn around left pulmonary vein and goes down. But in some individuals, instead of going towards right side, thoracic aorta goes straight up or left sided and then comes down. This is known as unfolding of aorta. It is not a disease. It is anatomical variation which is present due to developmental defect. Furthermore, it does not cause any symptoms. So it is not serious problem. So unfolding aorta is not a cause for your chest pain. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.