About Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is life-threatening and often exists without the person knowing there is a problem. Because symptoms often do not appear until the aneurysm has ruptured, people die as a result. The cause of AAA remains a condition of continued research; however, there are certain risk factors that may offer insight to the physician as to the potential development of an AAA in a person. If found early, treatments are available to effectively treat and cure an AAA safely.

Identification

• The aortic artery is the largest in the body, running from the chest to the abdomen, where it branches out to the legs carrying the necessary oxygen-rich blood supply throughout the whole body. Because the aortic artery exists in two major areas of the body and branches into two smaller ones, if any part of the artery is blocked, blood flow is restricted, and an aneurysm or blood clots (embolization) are generally the cause. An AAA occurs when a bulge develops in the abdominal aortic because the artery is weakened.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of an AAA are not always present until the aneurysm bursts; however, indicators that you may have an AAA are: a pulsing sensation in your abdomen, or sudden onset of severe pain in your abdomen or lower back--a sign the aneurysm is readying to burst. Less common signs are discoloration of the toes and foot pain, due to materials surging to the feet from the AAA. The symptoms associated with the artery breaking may include extreme weakness, dizziness, pain and, ultimately, unconsciousness.

Considerations

• Often, AAAs are found when a patient is being tested for another medical condition or a routine exam where your physician feels a large mass in your abdomen. However, since symptoms can be elusive, if you suspect any symptoms associated with an AAA seek medical attention immediately; an aneurysm that ruptures is a medical emergency and a threat to your life.

Factors

• If you are a person at risk, or if your physician thinks you may have an AAA, he may order the following tests: abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur more often in men than women, generally in those over the age of 60. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking and a family history of AAA.

Treatment

• Depending on the size of the aneurysm (less than two inches), regular follow up and testing may be the course of action; if the AAA is larger than two inches, open surgical repair is necessary; in some cases, a stent is surgically placed in the artery to strengthen the vessel's wall. Other treatment recommended includes reduction in risk factors such as stopping smoking and, with the help of your physician, getting your blood pressure under control.