aneurysm (aortic)

Last reviewed 01/2018

Aortic aneurysm may occur at two sites:

• abdominal aorta
• thoracic aorta

Aneurysms affecting the aorta are relatively common and produce serious clinical disease. Death may occur due to rupture.

With the decline of tertiary syphilis atherosclerosis has become the most common cause of aortic aneurysms and accordingly most aortic aneurysms occur in the abdominal aorta.