Aortic aneurysms
Aortic aneurysms are dilations in the aorta caused due to the weakening of the vessel wall.
- Classified as either true and false ("pseudoaneurysm"). Their shape can be fusiform or saccular.
- True aneurysms involve all three layers of the vessel wall.
- False aneurysms are wall defects that essentially form a hematoma contained within the connective tissue around the vessel.
- The locations at which aortic aneurysms can appear are the thoracic aorta, and the abdominal aorta.
- Thoracic aorta aneurysms are commonly associated with HTN.
- Abdominal aorta aneurysms are commonly associated with atherosclerosis, between the renal arteries and iliac bifurcation.
- Important contributing factors include HTN, and atherosclerosis. Other factors include:
- Infections
- Trauma
- Connective tissue diseases
- Aneurysms are usually asymptomatic, but they may cause pain, ischemia, thrombosis, and may progress to