Feb. 12, 2007 -- Surgery is the only treatment for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a weak spot in the body’s main artery that dilates dangerously over time. If the vessel ruptures suddenly before surgery to repair it, a quick death is virtually certain. Now, scientists say they have identified a key enzyme that triggers chronic inflammation in the aorta and promotes the growth of aneurysms. Their finding raises hopes for developing a drug that could prevent small aneurysms from enlarging to the point where surgery is necessary. >>> Discuss This Story
