Which description matches an aortic aneurysm?

Which description matches an aortic aneurysm?

• A. Ballooning of the aorta that can rupture
• B. Narrowing of the aorta without rupture risk
• C. Inflammation of the aorta lining
• D. Blockage of a coronary artery

Answer: (A)

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or ballooning of a portion of the aorta caused by weakening of the vessel wall. This dilation can progress and may rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding. Therefore, this description—ballooning of the aorta that can rupture—best matches an aortic aneurysm. The other scenarios describe different conditions: narrowing of the aorta without rupture risk points to aortic coarctation; inflammation of the aorta lining is aortitis; blockage of a coronary artery affects the heart, not the aorta.

An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement or ballooning of a portion of the aorta caused by weakening of the vessel wall. This dilation can progress and may rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding. Therefore, this description—ballooning of the aorta that can rupture—best matches an aortic aneurysm. The other scenarios describe different conditions: narrowing of the aorta without rupture risk points to aortic coarctation; inflammation of the aorta lining is aortitis; blockage of a coronary artery affects the heart, not the aorta.