Print Overview Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection Enlarge image Close Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection Aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection An aortic aneurysm occurs when a weak spot in the wall of the aorta begins to bulge, as shown in the image on the left. An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta. Having an aortic aneurysm increases the risk of a tear in the aortic lining, called a dissection. It is shown in the image on the right. An aortic aneurysm is a bulge that occurs in the wall of the body's main artery, called the aorta. The aorta carries blood from the heart to the body. Aortic aneurysms can occur anywhere in the aorta. They may be tube shaped or round. Aortic aneurysms include: Abdominal aortic aneurysm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs along the part of the aorta that passes through the belly area. Thoracic aortic aneurysm. A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs along the part of the aorta that passes through the chest cavity. Some people may have both types of aortic aneurysms. Having an aortic aneurysm increases the risk of developing a tear in the inner layer of the wall of the aorta. This tear is called an aortic dissection. Aortic Surgery: What Patients Need to Know — Mayo Clinic Clinical trials Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. By Mayo Clinic Staff Aortic aneurysm care at Mayo Clinic Request an appointment Doctors & departments April 21, 2023 Print Show references Goldman L, et al., eds. Diseases of the aorta. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 24, 2021. What is an aneurysm? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/aortic-aneurysm. Accessed March 1, 2023. Nimmagadda R. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. March 2, 2023. Related Researchers Develop New Stents for Complex Aortic Aneurysms Associated Procedures Abdominal ultrasound Aortic root surgery Chest X-rays CT scan Echocardiogram MRI Show more associated procedures Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, has been recognized as one of the top Cardiology & Heart Surgery hospitals in the nation for 2023-2024 by U.S. News & World Report. Learn more about this top honor Aortic aneurysmSymptoms&causesDoctors&departmentsCare atMayoClinic Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book CON-20369464 Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Aortic aneurysm