Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 441.9      ICD10: I71.9      ICD11: BD50

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart through the chest and abdomen.
Think of it like a weak spot in a tire that balloons out under pressure.

Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:

What is an Aorta?

Main Artery: The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body.
Origin: It starts at the heart's left ventricle and runs down through the chest (thoracic aorta) and abdomen (abdominal aorta).
Function: It carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.

What is an Aneurysm?

Weakened Wall: An aneurysm occurs when the wall of an artery, in this case the aorta, weakens.
Bulge: The weakened area then bulges outwards under the pressure of blood flowing through it.
Risk of Rupture: The main danger is that the aneurysm can rupture (burst), leading to severe internal bleeding and a life-threatening emergency. Aneurysms can also dissect, meaning the layers of the aortic wall separate, allowing blood to flow between them.

Types of Aortic Aneurysms:

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): Occurs in the chest portion of the aorta.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Occurs in the abdominal portion of the aorta. AAAs are more common.
Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Occurs in the aorta that spans from the chest to the abdomen.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Atherosclerosis (Hardening of the Arteries): The most common cause, where plaque builds up inside the arteries, weakening the walls.
High Blood Pressure: Puts extra stress on the aortic wall.
Genetic Conditions: Some genetic disorders, like Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, weaken connective tissues, including the aorta.
Family History: Having a family history of aortic aneurysms increases your risk.
Age: Aortic aneurysms are more common in older adults.
Smoking: Significantly increases the risk.
Infection: Rarely, infections can weaken the aortic wall.
Injury: Trauma to the chest or abdomen can, in rare cases, contribute.
Inflammatory conditions: Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) can weaken the aortic wall.

Symptoms:

Often Asymptomatic: Many aortic aneurysms grow slowly and don't cause symptoms until they are large or rupture. This is why screening is important for people at risk.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms (TAA):
Chest pain
Back pain
Hoarseness
Cough
Shortness of breath
Difficulty swallowing
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms (AAA):
Deep, constant pain in the abdomen or side
Pulsating feeling in the abdomen
Symptoms of Rupture: A ruptured aneurysm causes sudden, severe pain and is a medical emergency. Symptoms include:
Sudden, intense abdominal or back pain
Dizziness
Weakness
Clammy skin
Rapid heartbeat
Loss of consciousness

Diagnosis:

Physical Exam: Sometimes, a doctor can feel a pulsating mass in the abdomen during a routine exam.
Imaging Tests:
Ultrasound: Can detect AAAs.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Provides detailed images of the aorta to show the size and location of the aneurysm.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Another detailed imaging technique.
Angiography: Uses dye and X-rays to visualize the blood vessels.

Treatment:

Monitoring: Small aneurysms may be monitored with regular imaging tests to see if they are growing. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure, are also recommended.
Surgery: Larger aneurysms or those that are growing rapidly typically require surgery. There are two main surgical options:
Open Surgical Repair: Involves making an incision in the chest or abdomen to replace the damaged section of the aorta with a synthetic graft.
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR): A less invasive procedure where a stent graft (a fabric-covered mesh tube) is inserted through a small incision in the groin and guided to the aneurysm inside the aorta. The stent graft reinforces the weakened section of the aorta.

Prevention:

Control Blood Pressure: Keep your blood pressure within a healthy range.
Don't Smoke: Smoking is a major risk factor.
Healthy Diet: Eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Regular Exercise: Promotes cardiovascular health.
Screening: People at risk (e.g., men over 65 who have ever smoked) should talk to their doctor about screening for AAA.

Important Considerations:

Early Detection is Key: Because many aortic aneurysms are asymptomatic until they rupture, early detection through screening is crucial for people at risk.
Rupture is a Medical Emergency: A ruptured aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Treatment Options Depend on Size and Location: The best treatment approach depends on the size, location, and growth rate of the aneurysm, as well as the patient's overall health.

In summary, an aortic aneurysm is a serious condition that involves a weakening and bulging of the aorta. It's often asymptomatic until it ruptures, making screening and preventative measures vital, especially for those at risk. If you have risk factors or concerns, talk to your doctor.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.*