Aorta

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm

Vascular disease

Disease

Biology

Cell biology

Cardiology

Extracellular matrix

Internal medicine

Radiology

Abdominal aorta

Pathophysiology

Aneurysm

Thoracic aorta

Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Medicine

Circulation Research

Aortic aneurysms are a common vascular disease in Western populations that can involve virtually any portion of the aorta. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are much more common than thoracic aortic aneurysms and combined they account for >25 000 deaths in the United States annually. Although thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms share some common characteristics, including the gross anatomic appearance, alterations in extracellular matrix, and loss of smooth muscle cells, they are distinct diseases. In recent years, advances in genetic analysis, robust molecular tools, and increased availability of animal models have greatly enhanced our knowledge of the pathophysiology of aortic aneurysms. This review examines the various proposed cellular mechanisms responsible for aortic aneurysm formation and identifies opportunities for future studies.

Cellular Mechanisms of Aortic Aneurysm Formation