Aortic Aneurysm Leak Prognosis

A dissecting aortic aneurysm is the more precise term for an aortic aneurysm leak. Both describe the process of blood leaking between the wall of a torn aortic artery.

Identification

• An aneurysm occurs when the aorta, the main artery running from the heart and through the abdomen to the legs, bulges like a balloon due to an aortic wall weakness. This also may encourage a dissection of the wall as blood pressure tears the artery and leaks blood.

Significance

• The condition adds to the likelihood of a potentially fatal rupture. "When the aortic wall separates, blood cannot flow freely, and the aortic wall may burst," according to the Texas Heart Institute.

Prognosis

• An aortic aneurysm leak prognosis depends on how soon the disorder is diagnosed. In some instances, medication may prove sufficient to stop bleeding. "The condition can be cured with surgery if it is done before the aorta ruptures," says the U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Less than half of patients with ruptured aorta survive."

Symptoms

• Symptoms of an aortic dissection include chest and/or back pain similar to that of a heart attack. Dry mouth, dry skin, dizziness, fainting and nausea are also warning signals.

Considerations

• Some individuals may also use the phrase "aortic aneurysm leak" to describe an aortoenteric fistula, a separate condition brought about when surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm causes gastrointestinal leakage. This is 100 percent fatal without additional surgery.