Here is an example of an atherosclerotic aneurysm of the aorta in which a large "bulge" appears just above the aortic bifurcation.Such aneurysms are prone to rupture when they reach about 6 to 7 cm in size. They may be felt on physical examination as a pulsatile mass in the abdomen. Most such aneurysms are conveniently located below the renal arteries so that surgical resection can be performed with placement of a synthetic graft.