RT Book, Section A1 Halsted, Karen A1 De Marchi, Lorenzo A2 Freeman, Brian S. A2 Berger, Jeffrey S. SR Print(0) ID 1135740557 T1 Aortic Aneurysms T2 Anesthesiology Core Review: Part Two Advanced Exam YR 2016 FD 2016 PB McGraw-Hill Education PP New York, NY SN 9781259641770 LK accessanesthesiology.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1135740557 RD 2024/10/03 AB Due to the high pressure of the arterial system, the aorta is susceptible to the development of aneurysms and dissection. An aortic aneurysm is a dilatation greater than 3 cm anywhere along the aorta, including the ascending, arch, thoracic, or abdominal portions. Aortic aneurysms are present in 1%–4% of the population over age 50. Aortic dissection occurs when a false lumen is created by blood flowing through a tear in the intimal layer. Dissections put the patient at risk for disruption of flow to the aortic branch arteries. Both aneurysm and dissection of the aorta have the potential for disastrous and possibly fatal aortic rupture if left untreated.