Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medical condition involving the aorta: An "abdominal aortic aneurysm" is a specific, localized enlargement or bulging of the abdominal section of the aorta, the body's main artery. This condition is associated with the weakening of the arterial wall.

Usage

• The term is used in medical contexts to diagnose, describe, and discuss a serious vascular condition.
• It is often abbreviated as AAA.
• Example:

Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was admitted for surgery to repair a large abdominal aortic aneurysm.
  • Risk factors for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm include smoking, high blood pressure, and a family history of the condition.

Advanced Usage

• "Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm": This phrase describes the most severe and often fatal complication of the condition, where the weakened artery wall tears open.
  • Emergency surgery is required for a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Variants and Related Words

• Aortic aneurysm (n): A more general term for a bulge in the aorta, which can occur in the chest (thoracic aortic aneurysm) or the abdomen.
• AAA (n): The common medical abbreviation for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Synonyms

• AAA: The standard acronym used interchangeably in medical settings.
• Aortic dilatation: A more general term for enlargement of the aorta, though it does not always imply the same pathological weakening as an "aneurysm."

Notes on Meaning

• The reference context specifies the condition is "associated with old age and hypertension." This highlights common risk factors but is not part of the core definition. The essential meaning is the aneurysm (the bulge) located in the abdominal aorta.

Noun

1. an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta associated with old age and hypertension