An aneurysm is considered present
whenever there is enlargement of abdominal aorta > 3cm
They are usually 2° to atherosclerosis
They usually occur below renals and
above the iliacs
About 20-25% rupture
<4cm~10%; >10 cm~60%
When
they rupture, they rupture into the retroperitoneum, usually on left
side
If they rupture into the into the GI
tract they can lead to massive hemorrhage
If they rupture into IVC they can
lead to rapid cardiac decompensation