American Board of Pathology (ABPath) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The most common location for a true aortic aneurysm is in the abdominal region. Aortic aneurysms typically occur in two primary locations: the thoracic aorta and the abdominal aorta. Among these, abdominal aortic aneurysms are significantly more prevalent.

The abdominal aorta is subject to various risk factors, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and smoking, which contribute to the development of aneurysms in this area. It is specifically at the level of the renal arteries or just below that the majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are found.

While thoracic aneurysms can occur, they are less common than their abdominal counterparts. The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms typically increases with age, particularly in men over 65, making appropriate screening and management essential for at-risk populations.

In contrast, the infrarenal and suprarenal designations refer to the aorta's anatomical segments around the renal arteries but do not accurately describe the overall prevalence of aneurysms, which are most frequently found in the abdominal region. Thus, when considering the question of the most common location for true aortic aneurysms, the abdominal section is the recognized answer.