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Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Definition:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal ballooning of the abdominal portion of the aorta, which is the major artery from the heart.

Alternative Names:
Aneurysm - aortic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm involves a dilation, stretching, or ballooning of the aorta. The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include atherosclerosis and hypertension. Abdominal aortic aneurysm may be caused by infection, congenital weakening of the connective tissue component of the artery wall, or trauma. (An aneurysm caused by trauma is rare.)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm can affect anyone, but it is most often seen in men aged 40 to 70. A common complication is rupture. This is a medical emergency where the aneurysm breaks open, resulting in profuse bleeding. Rupture occurs more frequently in patients with larger aneurysms. Aortic dissection occurs when the lining of the artery tears and blood leaks into the wall of the artery.

In children, abdominal aortic aneurysm can result from blunt abdominal injury or from Marfan's syndrome.



Review Date: 12/29/2002
Reviewed By: Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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