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Aortic aneurysm: Difference between revisions
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We distinguish two types of aortic aneurysms depending on the affected part of the aorta, [[thoracic aortic aneurysm]] (TAA) and [[abdominal aortic aneurysm]] (AAA). 90% of cases are abdominal. An aortic aneurysm is defined as a dilation > 50% of the normal diameter, or > 3 cm. | We distinguish two types of aortic aneurysms depending on the affected part of the aorta, [[thoracic aortic aneurysm]] (TAA) and [[abdominal aortic aneurysm]] (AAA). 90% of cases are abdominal. An aortic aneurysm is defined as a dilation > 50% of the normal diameter, or > 3 cm. | ||
Aortic aneurysms are problematic because | Aortic aneurysms are problematic because: | ||
* They can rupture, which kills most of affected people within minutes or hours | |||
* They can cause [[aortic dissection]], which is also highly lethal | |||
* They can compress other structures. | |||
These aneurysms typically grow slowly, but the risk of rupture and compression increase with the size. | |||
== Etiology == | |||
The majority of aortic aneurysms are related to the same risk factors as for [[atherosclerosis]], including [[hypertension]], [[dyslipidaemia]], and [[smoking]]. Family history of aortic aneurysm is also a significant risk factor. | |||
However, aneurysms, especially thoracic ones, are rarely associated with [[Inherited connective tissue disorder|inherited connective tissue disorders]] like [[Marfan syndrome]] and [[Ehlers-Danlos syndrome]], as well as [[giant cell arteritis]], [[Takayasu aortitis]], and [[mycotic aneurysm]]. | |||
Tertiary [[syphilis]] used to be a common cause of aneurysm, but this is much less common nowadays. | |||
==Pathology== | ==Pathology== | ||
Degeneration of elastic and collagen fibres, as well as [[atherosclerosis]], causes the formation of the aneurysm. Degeneration occurs due to mechanical stress due to [[hypertension]] and due to activation of proteases like [[collagenase]], [[elastase]], [[matrix metalloproteinase]], and [[plasmin]].<noinclude>[[Category:Vascular surgery]] | Degeneration of elastic and collagen fibres, as well as [[atherosclerosis]], causes the formation of the aneurysm. Degeneration occurs due to mechanical stress due to [[hypertension]] and due to activation of proteases like [[collagenase]], [[elastase]], [[matrix metalloproteinase]], and [[plasmin]].<noinclude>[[Category:Vascular surgery]] | ||
</noinclude> | </noinclude> | ||