Aneurysms of the ascending aorta may be caused by:

A. Type II aortic dissection.

B. Atherosclerosis.

C. Cystic medial necrosis.

DISCUSSION: Aneurysms of the ascending aorta are classically associated with Marfan's syndrome, cystic medial necrosis, and, in past years, syphilis. Today, aneurysm formation in the ascending aorta is secondary to the manifestations of degenerative disease occurring within the aorta and the aorta wall