Congenital and acquired aneurysmal disease.

Finding an aneurysm in a child is a rare event that should prompt careful evaluation for a secondary disease or a history of trauma or serious infection. Although congenital and idiopathic aneurysms do occur, almost all aneurysms seen in children are acquired. The majority of true aneurysms (including mycotic aneurysms) occur in the aorta, with the primary branches of the aorta (such as the renal or iliac arteries) the next most common site. Most false aneurysms are caused by trauma and usually present in the extremities. Treatment is surgical resection and vascular reconstruction except in patients with arteritis and small stable aneurysms.