Can an AAA (aortic anneurism) turn into aortic dissection?

Question

I know AAA can rupture, I want to know if it can 'rupture into the blood vessel lining' or if this is rare/ never happens.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes it can. An aneurysm is just an enlarged portion of the artery

It makes no difference in  naming it if it's enlarged because it is spreading (dissecting) between the layers, or if it's enlarged because the lining is bulging out through the layers.

It makes a difference in the repair, maybe.

Answer 2

Actually, it's common. It's usually very painful.

Ruptures can be either:

1) free : into the abdominal cavity, rapidly fatal

2) partial : actually more of a leak, usually slower; better surival chances if treated