The aorta, the largest blood vessel, which arises directly from the heart and carries oxygen-rich blood to all organs, is the main artery that distributes the blood pumped from the heart throughout the body. Its diameter where it leaves the heart is about 2.5 cm. However, for various reasons the diameter of the aorta can increase and widen – that is, an aneurysm forms.
Aneurysms can form and grow for years without causing any complaints. However, pressure from the aneurysm sac on surrounding tissues and stretching of nerve bundles is often accompanied by pulsation in the chest and pain behind the breastbone. The pain is persistent and burning in character and radiates to the neck, shoulders and back.
Over time, aneurysms may widen further and rupture. Tearing of the inner wall (dissection) and rupture are very dangerous conditions.
Aneurysms that form in the chest portion of the aorta are called "thoracic aneurysms",
while those that form in the abdominal portion of the aorta are called "abdominal aneurysms".
Besides the aorta, aneurysms can also form in the vessels of the brain, heart, neck, spleen, the back of the knee and other parts of the body.
The main treatment methods are closed endovascular repair or open surgery.
Information on this site is general and does not replace an examination by a doctor.