What is the Difference Between Aortic Dilation and Aneurysm

The main difference between aortic dilation and aneurysm is that aortic dilation is the dilation of the aorta greater than 95% for the normal person’s age, body size, and sex, whereas aneurysm is the localized dilation of aorta greater than 50% for the normal person age, sex, and body size. 

Aortic dilation and aneurysm are pathological conditions in which the ascending aorta and aortic root dilate, exceeding the norms for a given age and body size. 

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Aortic Dilation
– Definition, Facts, Features
2. What is Aneurysm
– Definition, Facts, Features
3. Similarities Between Aortic Dilation and Aneurysm
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Aortic Dilation and Aneurysm
– Comparison of Key Differences
5. FAQ – Aortic Dilation and Aneurysm
– Answers to frequently asked questions

Key Terms  

Aortic Dilation, Aneurysm

What is Aortic Dilation

Aortic dilation is a pathological condition in which the ascending aorta and aortic root dilate, exceeding the normal conditions for a given age, body size, and sex. The thoracic and abdominal aorta are the two main segments of the aorta. The three segments of the thoracic aorta are the ascending, arch, and descending aorta. The ascending aorta originates from the aortic valve. Also, it ends right before the innominate artery. The lowest and upper segments are the two ascending aorta segments. The lowest segment is the aortic root, while the upper segment is the tubular ascending aorta.

Figure 1: Aortic Root Dilation 

Furthermore, the two types of aortic dilation include the dilation of the ascending aorta and the thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA). Generally, aortic dilation is the dilation of the aorta greater than 95% for the normal person’s body size, age, and sex. However, the aneurysm is the localized dilation of the aorta more than 50% of the normal diameter. Besides, ectasia is another pathological condition with diffused dilation of the aorta, less than 50% of the normal diameter.   

What is Aneurysm

Aneurysm is an abnormal swelling or bulge in the wall of blood vessels such as arteries. Also, it can occur anywhere in the circulatory system. But most commonly, it occurs along the aorta and blood vessels of the brain. However, it is potentially fatal if they rupture. On the other hand, it does not show symptoms, either very large or upon rupturing. Symptoms depend on the type of blood vessel ruptured. Different types of aneurysms include cerebral, thoracic, and abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Figure 2: Cerebral Aneurysm

• Cerebral Aneurysm: Cerebral aneurysm occurs in the brain’s blood vessels and is more common over the age of 60. Also, it appears like a tiny, blood-filled grape attached to the blood vessel through a stalk. Saccular or berry aneurysms are the other name for cerebral aneurysms. 
• Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA):  TAA occurs in the chest. Chest pain, back and neck pain, coughing, swallowing difficulties, breathlessness, hoarseness of the voice, swelling of the arms, drooping eyelid, constricted pupil, and swelling arms are the symptoms of ruptured TAA.
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm: The aorta of the abdomen shows symptoms such as lower back pain, nausea, abdominal swelling, vomiting, rapid heart rate, sensation of the pulse in the abdomen, and sweating are the symptoms of the abdominal aortic aneurysm. 

Similarities Between Aortic Dilation and Aneurysm

• Aortic dilation and aneurysm are two pathological conditions that dilate the aorta.
• In these conditions, the ascending aorta and aortic root dilate, exceeding the norms for a given age and body size.
• Different types of pathology can occur depending on the amount of dilation.

Difference Between Aortic Dilation and Aneurysm

Definition

Aortic dilation refers to a pathological condition if the diameters of the ascending aorta and the aortic root exceed the norms for a given age and body size. Meanwhile, an aneurysm refers to an abnormal swelling or bulge in the wall of a blood vessel, such as an artery.

Significance

Aortic dilation is the increase of the diameter of the aorta, while aneurysm is a type of aneurysm. 

Type of Dilation

Aortic dilation is the dilation of the aorta greater than 95% of the normal person’s age, body size, and sex. In comparison, an aneurysm is the localized dilation of the aorta greater than 50% of the normal person’s age, sex, and body size.

FAQ: Aortic Dilation and Aneurysm

Does dilated mean aneurysm?

Pathologically dilated ascending aorta and the aortic root exceed the norms for a given age and body size. However, aneurysmal dilation is a 50% increase over the normal diameter of the aorta.  

How can you tell the difference between an aneurysm and an aortic dissection?

Aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta or peripheral artery. In contrast, dissection is a tear in an artery or aorta which separates the artery wall.  

Can somebody live a long life with dilated aorta?

Somebody can live with an aortic aneurysm. However, dissection is a splitting of blood vessel walls, causing the leakage of blood. Some of the aortic aneurysms are congenital or hereditary.  

Conclusion

In brief, aortic dilation and aneurysm are pathological conditions that increase the size of the ascending aorta, and aortic root dilates, exceeding the norms for a given age and body size. Aortic dilation is responsible for increasing the diameter of the aorta to a level greater than 95% of the normal person’s age, body size, and sex. In comparison, the aneurysm is a type of aortic dilation. Also, it is a type of local dilation greater than 50% of the normal person’s age, sex, and body size. Therefore, the main difference between aortic dilation and aneurysm is the type and amount of dilation. 

References:

1. Saliba E, Sia Y; In collaboration with. The ascending aortic aneurysm: When to intervene? Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc. 2015 Jan 20;6:91–100. doi: 10.1016/j.ijcha.2015.01.009. PMCID: PMC5497177.
2. Department of Health & Human Services. (2001, November 30). Aneurysm. Better Health Channel. 

Image Courtesy:

1. “Morbus Fabry aortic root dilatation 02” By Kuebi – Own Work (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Cerebral aneurysm” By Tiago Etiene Queiroz – Own Work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia