Abdominal Pulsations Could Mean a Dangerous Condition – Aneurysm Types USMLE 1

This part of the aorta is the thoracic aorta because it is in the thorax of the human body.

So this aneurysm is a thoracic aortic aneurysm, because it is enclosed by the thoracic wall.

Its pulsation can normally not be noticed from the outside.

If an aneurysm develops in the abdominal aorta, the patients often report

that they can palpate a pulsating mass in their abdomen.

Now a wall in the area of an abdomen can become so weak that it ruptures

and then it can cause bleeding that ultimately leads to death.