An 80-year old male diabetic has a 7-cm, pulsating mass in the midline of his lower abdomen, He has poor pulses in his lower extremities. Which of the following complications of aoic atherosclerosis is responsible for the development of this lesion?
Ulceration of atherosclerotic plaque Thrombosis overlying atherosclerotic plaque Hemorrhage into the plaque substance Atrophy (thinning) of the media