Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Medical Revising Authors: Benjamin C. Wedro, MD, FAAEM and Dennis Lee, MD
Medical Revising Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr, MD, FACP, FACR
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 through which blood passes 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.
What shape are most aortic aneurysms?
Most aortic aneurysms are fusiform. They are shaped like
a spindle ("fusus" means spindle in Latin) with widening
all around the circumference of the aorta. (Saccular
aneurysms just involve a portion of the aortic wall with a
localized out pocketing).
What's inside an aortic aneurysm?
The inside walls of aneurysms are often lined with a
laminated blood clot that is layered like a piece
of plywood.
Next: Who is most likely to have an abdominal aortic
aneurysm? »
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