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Aortic unfolding is an abnormality visible on a chest X-ray, that shows widening of the mediastinum which may mimic the appearance of a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

With aging, the ascending portion of the thoracic aorta increases in length by approximately 12% per decade, whereas the diameter increases by just 3% per decade. This elongation causes the ascending aorta to appear as a vertical shadow on the left heart border. Unfolding is often associated with aortic calcification which implies aortic degeneration and hypertension.

References

1. O'Rourke, Michael; Farnsworth, Alan; O'Rourke, John (2008). "Aortic Dimensions and Stiffness in Normal Adults". J Am Coll Cardiol Img. 1 (6): 749–751. doi:10.1016/j.jcmg.2008.08.002. PMID 19356511.
2. Sugawara, Jun (2008). "Age-Associated Elongation of the Ascending Aorta". Adults J Am Coll Cardiol Img. 1 (6): 739–748. doi:10.1016/j.jcmg.2008.06.010. PMID 19356510.

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