Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Medical Revising Author: Dennis Lee, MD
Medical Revising Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR

• What is an aneurysm?
• What is an aortic aneurysm?
• What are the thoracic and abdominal aorta?
• Where do aortic aneurysms tend to develop?
• What shape are most aortic aneurysms?
• What's inside an aortic aneurysm?
• Who is most likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
• What is the most common cause of aortic aneurysms?
• What are other causes of aortic aneurysms?
• What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
• How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed clinically?
• What tests help in the diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
• What is the natural history of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
• What are the complications with an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
• How are abdominal aortic aneurysms repaired?
• What is done if an abdominal aortic aneurysm threatens to rupture?
• What is the medical management (non-surgical management) of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm At A Glance

What is an aneurysm?

An aneurysm is an area of a localized widening (dilation) of a blood vessel. (The word "aneurysm" is borrowed from the Greek "aneurysma" meaning "a widening").

What is an aortic aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm involves the aorta, one of the large arteries that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta bulges at the site of the aneurysm like a weak spot on an old worn tire.

What are the thoracic and abdominal aorta?

The aorta is first called the thoracic aorta as it leaves the heart, ascends, arches, and descends through the chest until it reaches the diaphragm (the partition between the thorax and abdomen). The aorta is then called the abdominal aorta after it has passed the diaphragm and continues down the abdomen. The abdominal aorta ends where it splits to form the two iliac arteries that go to the legs.

Where do aortic aneurysms tend to develop?

Aortic aneurysms can develop anywhere along the length of the aorta. The majority, however, are located along the abdominal aorta. Most (about 90%) of abdominal aneurysms are located below the level of the renal arteries, the vessels that leave the aorta to go to the kidneys. About two-thirds of abdominal aneurysms are not limited to just the aorta but extend from the aorta into one or both of the iliac arteries.

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