Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized dilation or outpouching at a weak point in the artery wall.

Common etiological factors include congenital anomalies such as Turner syndrome, infectious causes like bacteremia resulting from endocarditis, and mechanical causes such as blunt trauma.

Risk factors for aortic aneurysms are hypertension, coronary artery disease, tobacco use, and obesity.

It can involve the aortic arch, thoracic aorta, or abdominal aorta.

Next, aortic aneurysms are classified as true or false.

A true aneurysm involves all three arterial wall layers—the intima, media, and adventitia. It is subdivided into fusiform and saccular types.

A fusiform aneurysm is a circumferential, spindle-shaped expansion involving the entire circumference of the affected artery.

A saccular aneurysm is a pouch-like or bulbous protrusion on one side of the arterial wall.

In contrast, pseudoaneurysm, or false aneurysm, is an outpouching of arteries where blood leaks through the inner layers and is contained by the adventitia or perivascular tissue.

Common causes of pseudoaneurysms include blunt trauma or arterial leakage after procedures like intra-aortic balloon pumps during cannula removal.