aortic artery aneurysm
An aneurysm is a localized, blood-filled balloon-like bulge in the wall of a blood vessel. Aneurysms can occur in any blood vessel, with particularly lethal examples including aneurysms of the Circle of Willis in the brain, aortic aneurysms affecting the thoracic aorta, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. As an aneurysm increases in size, the risk of rupture increases. A ruptured aneurysm can lead to bleeding. Aneurysms are a result of a weakened blood vessel wall, and can be a result of a hereditary condition or an acquired disease. Some type of inflammation that causes a weakening of the wall of the aortic artery. Men older than 60, smokers, Caucasians and anyone with a first-generation relative who has developed an AAA are at highest risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The heart, including coronary artery aneurysms, ventricular aneurysms, aneurysm of sinus of Valsalva, and aneurysms following cardiac surgery. The aorta, namely aortic aneurysms including thoracic aortic aneurysms and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Aneurysms can occur anywhere, but the most common are: 1  Aortic aneurysm: occurs in the major artery from the heart. 2  Cerebral aneurysm: occurs in the brain. 3  Popliteal artery aneurysm: occurs in the leg behind the knee.  Mesenteric artery aneurysm: occurs in the 1  intestine. Splenic artery aneurysm: occurs in an artery in the spleen. Aortic aneurysm. An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement (dilation) of the aorta to greater than 1.5 times normal size. They usually cause no symptoms except when ruptured. Occasionally, there may be abdominal, back, or leg pain. They are most commonly located in the abdominal aorta, but can also be located in the thoracic aorta. An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery wall weakens, allowing it to widen abnormally or balloon out. The causes of aneurysms are sometimes unknown. Some may be congenital, meaning a person is born with them. An aneurysm may also occur as the result of aortic disease or an injury. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. When the wall of a blood vessel weakens, a balloon-like dilation called an aneurysm sometimes develops. This happens most often in the abdominal aorta, an essential blood vessel that supplies blood to your legs. Every year, 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Aortic aneurysm: occurs in the major artery from the heart. Cerebral aneurysm: occurs in the brain. Popliteal artery aneurysm: occurs in the leg behind the knee. Mesenteric artery aneurysm: occurs in the intestine. Splenic artery aneurysm: occurs in an artery in the spleen. Aortic Disease (Dissection and Aneurysm) The aorta, the body's largest artery, delivers blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When disease is present, the aorta can tear (dissect) or dilate to form an abnormal widening or ballooning called an aneurysm. These conditions may lead to rupture of the aorta, which may be life threatening.
An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement or dilation of the aorta to greater than 1.5 times normal size.