An aneurysm is defined as a more than 50% increase in diameter compared with the expected normal diameter vessel. A less than 50% increase is termed ectasia.

An infrarenal aorta considered to be aneurysmal if it is 3 cm in diameter or greater. Some authors consider 3.5 cm in diameter to be a better “cut off point.”

Aortic wall degeneration secondary to atherosclerotic disease, as in our case, is probably the most common cause responsible for the formation of AAAs.

Thrombus fissuration is a worrisome sign that may point to impending rupture of an aortic aneurysm.