[Aortic aneurysm].

Atherosclerotic true aortic aneurysms develop in the abdominal aorta more commonly than in any other arteries. Once developed, the natural course of true aortic aneurysm is one of progressive growth until it ruptures. The growth rate of true aortic aneurysms is variable, but the average is approximately 1.5 mm in diameter in the thoracic, and 4 mm in the abdominal aorta per year. The symptoms of aneurysms are variable. Many true aneurysms are asymptomatic, but usually the onset of chest or back pain develop in aortic dissection. Medical imagings, such as ultrasound and CT scan, are the most useful diagnostic methods for aortic aneurysms. And preoperatively, atherosclerotic lesions in the other arteries, such as coronary artery or cerebral artery, that cause perioperative death or late complications must be studied.