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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 they can rupture, which kills most of affected people within minutes or hours, and because they can compress other structures. These aneurysms typically grow slowly, but the risk of rupture and compression increase with the size.
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]]
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