An aortic aneurysm is a serious health condition that occurs when the aorta, the largest artery carrying blood from the heart, becomes abnormally enlarged. Often progressing silently, this condition can lead to life-threatening complications. This article provides comprehensive information on the definition, types, prevalence, risk factors, and diagnostic methods of aortic aneurysms.
What Is an Aortic Aneurysm?
The term “aneurysm” refers to the abnormal enlargement of a blood vessel due to a weakening in its wall. An aortic aneurysm occurs when this condition affects the aorta—the body’s largest artery, which carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. When the enlargement reaches a certain diameter, it can lead to serious complications, including a rupture of the artery wall.
Types of Aortic Aneurysms
Aortic aneurysms are categorized based on the location of the enlargement:
- Ascending Aortic Aneurysm: Occurs in the initial section of the aorta coming from the heart. Often associated with congenital heart valve diseases or connective tissue disorders.
- Aortic Arch Aneurysm: Occurs where the aorta branches off toward the brain.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: Develops in the section of the aorta within the chest cavity.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Occurs in the abdominal section of the aorta and is the most common type.
How Does It Differ from Dissection?
One condition that should not be confused with an aneurysm is aortic dissection. Dissection occurs when a tear forms in the inner layer of the aorta, allowing blood to flow between the wall layers and creating a false channel. Aneurysm and dissection can sometimes occur together. The biggest danger of both is rupture of the vessel wall.
How Common Is It?
Aortic aneurysms are often silent, meaning they cause no symptoms for a long time. As a result, they are frequently discovered incidentally during tests for unrelated issues. Among individuals over 50, the prevalence is 25 per 100,000. Considering Turkey’s demographics, about 3,000–4,000 new aortic aneurysm cases are diagnosed each year.
Unfortunately, there is currently no dedicated screening program for this condition in Turkey, which significantly reduces early diagnosis rates.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing an aortic aneurysm, including:
- Family history of aortic aneurysm
- History of brain aneurysm
- Individuals over 70 years old
- High blood pressure
- Long-term smoking
- Congenital bicuspid aortic valve structure
Can Young People Develop Aortic Aneurysms?
Although typically seen in older adults, aortic aneurysms can also develop at a young age under certain conditions:
- Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan Syndrome, Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Congenital valve abnormalities like bicuspid aortic valve
- Family history of early-age aortic rupture
- Genetic predisposition and connective tissue weakness
Therefore, young individuals with one or more of these conditions should undergo regular cardiological check-ups.
How Is an Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosed?
Aortic aneurysms often don’t cause symptoms. However, depending on their size and location, they can sometimes lead to:
- Large aneurysms in the chest pressing on the vocal cords causing hoarseness
- Pressure on the esophagus causing difficulty swallowing
- Abdominal aneurysms in slim individuals causing a palpable pulse
Diagnosing an aneurysm is actually straightforward. Suspicion is the first step. Once suspected, imaging methods are used to confirm the diagnosis. The most common diagnostic tools include:
- Echocardiography (to evaluate the heart)
- Ultrasonography (for the abdominal region)
- CT Angiography or MR Angiography (to assess the thoracic and abdominal aorta)
