Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a dilatation (abnormal enlargement) in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The dilatation typically occurs in a weakened portion of the artery's wall, causing it to bulge outward. If left untreated, an aortic aneurysm may rupture, causing serious complications such as internal bleeding.

Approximately 60,000 people in the U.S. develop aortic aneurysms each year. Aneurysms that appear in the portion of the aorta that travels through the chest, or thorax, are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. Each year, approximately 15,000 people in the U.S. develop thoracic aortic aneurysms. A thoracic aortic aneurysm is a serious, potentially fatal condition and requires the immediate attention of a skilled and experienced team. The NYU Division of Cardiac Surgery treats hundreds of patients with aneurysms each year.

Most thoracic aortic aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque (fatty deposits) build up on the inner walls of the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow. Over time, plaque can cause the aorta to stiffen and weaken, leaving it prone to bulges and ruptures. Aneurysms are also associated with a bicuspid aortic valve (in which there are two leaflets instead of the normal three), connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, and syphilis.