I79: Disorders of arteries, arterioles and capillaries in diseases classified elsewhere

I79.1: Aortitis in diseases classified elsewhere

The aorta carries the blood from the heart to the body. The aorta begins at the heart itself. First it runs upwards and then it arches down through the chest to the abdomen. At around the level of the navel, the aorta branches into 2 large blood vessels. These blood vessels first run to the pelvis and then to the legs.

The wall of your aorta was damaged by the inflammation. The aorta can also become enlarged as a result. Inflammation of the aorta might make the chest very painful. An enlarged aorta can rupture. This can be painful and life-threatening.