Aortic rupture is the rupture or breakage of the
aorta, the largest
artery in the body. Aortic rupture is a rare, extremely dangerous condition. The most common cause is an
abdominal aortic aneurysm that has ruptured spontaneously. Aortic rupture is distinct from
aortic dissection, which is a tear through the inner wall of the aorta that can block the flow of blood through the aorta to the
heart or abdominal
organs.