A penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) is a complicated of severe atherosclerotic disease involving the aotra.
A penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer is an ulceration of atherosclerotic plaque that extends through the internal elastic lamina into the aortic media.
These can be located in either the thoracic or abdominal aorta.
Chest or abdominal pain appear to be the primary initial symptoms.
A symptomatic PAU is more likely to progress than an asymptomatic one.
Complications may include:
(1) saccular aneurysm
(2) intramural hematoma
(3) rupture
(4) fistula
