Abdominal aortic Aneurysm [AAA]

Pathology

• Atherosclerotic changes leads to aneurysmal dilatation of abdominal aorta
• Calcification of wall can occur
• Complications:
  • Thrombus can form in the lumen
  • Erosion of the adjacent vertebral bone can occur
  • Rupture with extravasation of blood chronic or acute
  • Emboli to distal vessels from atheromatous plaques

The abdominal aorta was opened along the posterior wall revealing severe atherosclerosis. The anatomical features are obscured by ulcerated plaques and superimposed blood clots.

A medium size aneurysm arises from the aorta between the renal and inferior mesenteric arteries.