During a routine physical examination, a 58-year-old white male is found to have a 6-cm pulsatile mass in his abdomen. Angiography reveals a marked dilation of his aoa distal to his renal aeries. This aneurysm is most likely the result o
An aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of any vessel. Atherosclerotic aneurysms, the most common type of aoic aneurysms, usually occur distal to the renal aeries and proximal to the bifurcation of the aoa. Many atherosclerotic aneurysms are asymptomatic, but if they rupture they produce sudden, severe abdominal pain, shock, and a risk of death. Prior to rupture, physical examination reveals a pulsatile mass in the abdomen. Trauma may also lead to the formation of dissecting aneurysms Cystic medial necrosis refers to the focal loss of elastic and muscle fibers in the media of vessels and is seen in patients with hypeension, dissecting aneurysms, and Marfan's syndrome Syphilitic aneurysms are caused by obliterative endaeritis of the vasa vasorum of the aoa. These aneurysms are pa of the teiary manifestation of syphilis and become evident 15 to 20 years after persons have contracted the initial infection with Treponema pallidum Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 9edition.
Atherosclerosis
Hypeension
Trauma
A previous syphilitic infection
Cardiovascular system