Aortic aneurysm is an abnormal, segmental increase in aortic diameter. It is mostly localized in the abdominal aorta below the starting site of the renal arteries, but can affect any segment of the aorta: ascending thoracic aorta, descending thoracic aorta, aortic arch.

The most common cause is atherosclerosis, particularly affecting men over the age of 55. Sometimes an aneurysm can form as a result of trauma. Some people are prone to aortic aneurysms from a young age. In these cases, damage to the thoracic aorta is more common, especially the ascending aorta near the heart.

The risk factors for developing aortic aneurysms are

• Smoking
• Age
• Hypertension
• Dyslipidemia

It is most often discovered by chance, following an investigation for another reason: ultrasound (abdominal, cardiac), X-ray, CT scan, nuclear magnetic resonance. Symptoms may be absent or may be due to damage to the structures surrounding the aneurysm, usually by compression.

Aortic aneurysm investigations

• Cardiac ultrasound
• Computer tomography/ angio CT/multi slice CT
• Aortography
• Nuclear magnetic resonance

The most serious complication is a ruptured aneurysm. It is a dramatic event: more than 501TPTP3T of patients die before reaching a hospital, with mortality in the first 24 hours reaching 761TPTP3T.

The larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk of rupture. This is why it is very important to find it early and follow up regularly so that before it reaches critical size, it can be resolved:

• Interventional: aortic stenting
• Surgical: Aneurysm cure