Most aneurysms that rupture are contained within the tissue between the abdominal cavity and aorta. Because bleeding is contained most patients receiving proper medical care survive. Infrequently an aneurysm breaks through this tissue and bleeds into the abdominal cavity. Treatment Depends on the size of the aneurysm and whether or not symptoms are present. The risk of rupture increases as the aneurysm gets larger.
Most aneurysms are small enough to be followed with ultrasound exam on a yearly basis.
Surgical repair consists of removal of the aneurysm and replacement of the affected part of the aorta with a synthetic graft . Most have no symptoms. Rupture almost always causes death because of rapid blood loss into the chest cavity. It should be stressed that thoracic aneurysms are much less common than brain or abdominal aortic aneurysms. Dissecting aneurysms occur when blood pumped from the heart creates a tear between the tissue layers of the aorta.