Question:

What does “prominent aortic knob” mean?

During a skeletal survey for multiple myeloma, the radiologist observed a “prominent aortic knob”. Have not yet seen my doctor. What is this, and how dangerous? I am a 70 year old female with family history of aortic dissection.

Submitted by Laura from Naples, Florida on 01/27/2014

Answer:
by Denton A. Cooley, MD

A prominent aortic knob signifies that the aorta is slightly elongated. In some instances, it may indicate an aneurysm, but more often than not, it is unimportant. I am not aware of any substantive relationship between multiple myeloma and a prominent aortic knob.