Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal widening of the aorta, the body's largest artery, to at least one and a half times its normal diameter. It typically produces no symptoms unless it tears or ruptures, at which point it causes sudden, severe pain in the abdomen or lower back and becomes a medical emergency. Known contributing causes include physical trauma, infection, and inflammatory disorders of the blood vessel wall, with cigarette smoking recognized as a major risk factor.