Aortic aneurysm overview

Associate Editor-In-Chief:

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.

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).