The abdominal aorta is the most common site for an aneurysm to develop. However, risks associated with AAA include atherosclerosis , hypertension and smoking. Other risks include trauma to the arterial wall, infection and congenital defects of the artery wall. Most AAA occur below the level of the renal artery and involve the bifurcation of the aorta as well as the proximal ends of the iliac arteries. Stasis of blood can lead to thrombus formation along arterial wall.
Peripheral emboli can develop causing arterial insufficiency.
Once an aneurysm forms it often increase in size and consequently the chances of rupture also increases. Aneurysm rupture can lead to hemorrhage and death. Epidemiology AAA is most common in Caucasians, with men affected four times more than women. AAA are most prevalent between the ages of sixty and seventy. First degree relatives of persons with AAA develop dilation at earlier ages.