Aortic aneurysm development is associated with atherosclerosis, predominant vascular risk factors and inherited susceptibility.
Cause and risk factors
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Atherosclerosis is the commonest cause of aortic aneurysm.
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Smoking and hypertension predominate: 90%–95% of patients have one or both risk factors.
Inherited susceptibility
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Aortic aneurysms tend to run in families, suggesting an additional specific genetic component. This may partly explain why only some patients with atheroma risk factors develop aneurysms.
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Marfan syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder associated with both aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.