Aortic aneurysm
For patient information on Thoracic aortic aneurysm, click here
For patient information on Abdominal aortic aneurysm, click here
| Aortic aneurysm | |
 | |
|---|---|
| Atherosclerotic Aneurysm: Gross, an excellent example, natural color, external view of typical thoracic aortic aneurysms Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1], Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
An aortic aneurysm is a general term for any swelling (dilatation or aneurysm) of the aorta, usually representing an underlying weakness in the wall of the aorta at that location. While the stretched vessel may occasionally cause discomfort, a greater concern is the risk of rupture which causes severe pain, massive internal hemorrhage and, without prompt treatment, results in a quick death. Aneurysms often are a source of blood clots (emboli) stemming from the most common etiology of atherosclerosis.
Classification
There are 2 types of aortic aneurysms:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TA), which occur in the thoracic aorta (runs through the chest)
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which occur in the abdominal aorta, are the most common.
Aneurysms that coexist in both parts of the aorta are termed thoracoabdominal aneurysms (TAA).