An aortopathy is any disease of the aorta, the main artery taking fresh, oxygenated blood from the left side of the heart to the arteries of all limbs and organs. Defects in the aorta can result from injury, atherosclerosis, and hypertension, or can be congenital (present at birth). A common defect is dilation, or swelling, of the aorta wall, also called an aneurysm.

Many times, this condition has no symptoms, but may also cause pain in the back, neck or jaw. It may also result in an aortic rupture or congestive heart failure.