A 66-Year-Old Man Comes to the Office for a Routine

A 66-year-old man comes to the office for a routine visit.  He has a history of hypertension and osteoarthritis.  The patient has smoked a pack of cigarettes daily for 40 years and occasionally drinks 1 or 2 glasses of wine but does not use illicit drugs.  Blood pressure is 142/82 mm Hg and pulse is 80/min.  Cardiopulmonary examination is normal.  There is a pulsating, central abdominal mass on physical examination.  Which of the following pathologic conditions is the most likely underlying cause of this patient's abnormal findings?

A) Chronic transmural inflammation
B) Cystic medial necrosis
C) Focal intimal tear
D) Malignant endothelial proliferation
E) Microbial infection of aortic wall
F) Vasa vasorum endarteritis

Correct Answer:

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