Aneurysms – Aortic
An Aneurysm is considered a dilatation or an expansion of an artery that increases its original diameter by 50%. In the abdominal aorta an average diameter for a male is 2.2cm. In males aneurysms are treated once they reach 5.5cm, in females 5cm. In the thoracic aorta, aneurysms are treated when they reach 6 cm. Some patients with an inherited elastic/collagen disorder may have their aneurysms treated at a lower threshold.
The most concerning risk for aortic aneurysms is rupture. The exact cause for aneurysms is unknown. However, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, inflammation or weak elastic tissue, smoking ,male gender are the known causes.
