Etymed
aortic aneurysm
Definition
abnormal dilation or bulging of the aorta
Clinical context
A 72-year-old male presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe back pain that he describes as 'tearing in nature.' He has a history of hypertension and smoking. On examination, he has a blood pressure of 180/100 mmHg in the right arm and 140/80 mmHg in the left arm, with a widened mediastinum on chest X-ray. The differential diagnosis includes aortic dissection, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention.
Mnemonic
Aortic aneurysm: Think 'AAA' - Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, the most common type, often asymptomatic until rupture