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ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

Men's Health, Women's Health / By

ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a localized widening in the part of the aorta that runs through the abdomen (abdominal aorta)

  • In abdominal aortic aneurysm, the abdominal aorta widens such that its diameter is 50% larger than the normal diameter.
  • The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the human body. It runs from the heart to the chest and to the abdomen where it splits into the iliac arteries to supply blood to the leg.
  • An aortic aneurysm can develop anywhere along the length of the aorta but it occurs majorly in the abdominal aorta.
  • The walls of the aorta when weakened can swell and bulge causing an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
  • The condition does not always cause problems except when it is ruptured. Because the aorta is the body’s main blood supplier, a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can result in life-threatening bleeding and other serious complications.
  • The risk of rupture is high in a large or fast-growing abdominal aortic aneurysm than in a small or slow-growingg abdominal aortic aneurysm.
  • Mortality if ruptured is about 85% – 90%.
  • In 2013, aortic aneurysms resulted in 168,200 deaths.
  • The condition occurs most often in people age 65 and older especially male. Male develop the condition more than females do

CAUSES

The exact cause of the condition is unknown. However, several factors may contribute to and increase the risk. These includes:

  • Smoking: cigarette smoking or tobacco use can damage or weaken the aorta wall, or lead to high blood pressure. More than 90% of people who develops the condition have smoked at some point in their lives.
  • High blood pressure, can weaken the wall of the aorta
  • Bacterial or fungal infection in the aorta
  • Atherosclerosis, a condition where fat and other materials build up on the lining of a blood vessel. This condition increases the risk of an aneurysm
  • Trauma such as a being a car accident
  • Genetic influences
  • Vasculitis, this can cause serious inflammation within the aorta and other arteries.
  • Alcoholism, prolonged use of alcohol that causes inflammation is also considered a risk factor.

SYMPTOMS

Most aneurysms are without symptom. As abdominal aortic aneurysm enlarges, you may notice:

  • Constant abdominal pain
  • Back pain
  • Pulsating sensation in the nave;

A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm may present the following symptoms:

  • Sweating
  • Intense heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Sudden onset of severe, persistent abdominal or back pain
  • Vomiting
  • Shock or loss of consciousness
  • Low blood pressure

A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is extremely severe. Estimates show that about 65%-70% of patient dies before they arrive at the hospital and up to 90% die before they reach the operating room.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often discovered during a routine medical test sometimes ordered for another reason.

To make diagnosis, the doctor will review your medical and family history and conduct a physical examination.

If the doctor suspects that you may have one, the doctor will feel your stomach for rigidity or check if the stomach contains a pulsing mass.

Specialize tests such as abdominal ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI can be ordered to confirm if you have the condition

TREATMENT

Treatment is aimed at preventing your condition from rupturing and may depend on the size of your condition and how fast it is growing.

Medical monitoring may be recommended if your aneurysm is small and no symptoms are experienced. Medical monitoring may include regular appointment to check for growth, and managing other conditions that could worsen your aneurysm.

For large and fast-growing abdominal aortic aneurysm, surgery may be recommended. Surgical options may include open abdominal surgery where the damaged section of the aorta is removed and replaced with a synthetic tube sewn into the place, or endovascular surgery which is a less invasive procedure.