| |
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a weak area in the wall of the abdominal aorta - the artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta is the body’s largest blood vessel; when an area is weak, it may bulge like a balloon when blood flows through it. The most common site for an aortic aneurysm to occur is below where the aorta divides to supply blood to the kidneys and above where it divides to supply blood to the pelvis and legs. An aneurysm that occurs in this location is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The normal diameter of the aorta is about 1 inch or less. Small aneurysms - less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) rarely rupture and may pose little risk to the patient. If the aneurysm grows larger, however, the risk of rupture and life-threatening bleeding (hemorrhage) increases. In most cases, physicians recommend treating aneurysms that are 5.5 centimeters or greater in diameter. These aneurysms can result from accidents, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure or inherited disease.
How Common is AAA?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, the 13th leading cause of death in the United States, are found in an estimated 1.5 million Americans. Because people with AAA, usually men over 55, are typically asymptomatic, only about 200,000 are diagnosed each year. About 15,000 people die of AAA in the U.S. every year. Approximately one in every 250 people over the age of 50 will die of a ruptured AAA. Fortunately, when AAA is diagnosed early it can be successfully treated and rupture is prevented. Depending on the individual, treatment may require surgery. Often, however, the aneurysm can be repaired with a new technique that does not require open surgery.
What Symptoms Are Associated With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms?
AAA is often a silent disease. Many patients do not experience any symptoms, particularly when the aneurysm is small. If there are symptoms, the most common ones are:
-
Intense abdominal pain that may be constant or come and go.
-
Pain in the lower back that may radiate to the buttocks, groin or legs
-
The feeling of a "heart beat" or pulse in the abdomen.
-
Fatigue
-
Sometimes, the aneurysm can be felt as a soft mass in the abdomen.
If an aneurysm expands rapidly, tears open, or bursts, or if blood leaks along the wall of the blood vessel (aortic dissection), more severe symptoms may develop suddenly. A ruptured aneurysm is life-threatening and requires immediate emergency care.
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm may include:
-
Severe pain that begins suddenly
-
Paleness
-
Rapid pulse
-
Dry mouth/skin and excessive thirst
-
Anxiety
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Lightheadedness or fainting
-
Excessive sweating or clammy skin
-
Shock
How is AAA Diagnosed?
A careful physical examination can detect as many as 70 percent to 80 percent of abdominal aortic aneurysms. By placing a stethoscope on the abdomen, the doctor often can hear the sounds of abnormal blood flow through the roughened surface of the aorta. The doctor also may be able to feel the aneurysm by pressing gently on the abdomen. If your physician suspects that you have an AAA, further diagnostic tests will be performed.
There are a number of imaging exams that can be used to "see" and diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following tests:
|
