Pediatric aortic aneurysm and dissection

An aortic aneurysm is a bulge or ballooning in the wall of the aorta, the main artery that supplies blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body. An aneurysm is caused by a weakness in the artery wall. As an aneurysm expands, the wall of the aorta grows thinner and can widen or tear (dissect), causing life-threatening events. Aortic aneurysms are often related to genetic and connective tissue conditions like Marfan syndrome.

Prevention and treatment for children and adults

Children’s Wisconsin physicians are some of the most experienced in the nation when it comes to treating aortic aneurysms in children and adults, including Marfan syndrome. Dedicated monitoring of each patient’s condition helps prevent an aneurysm from developing and can prompt timely medical or surgical treatment if an aneurysm does occur. Learn more about our Marfan Syndrome Program.