Aortic Aneurysm

An Aortic Aneurysm is a weak, bulging area in the wall of the aorta. The aorta is the body's largest artery. It carries blood from the heart for delivery to the rest of the body. The aorta travels through the chest (thoracic aorta) and the abdomen (abdominal aorta). Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more common than thoracic aortic aneurysms.

The greatest danger is that an aneurysm will rupture. This will cause heavy, uncontrollable bleeding (hemorrhage). A dissecting aneurysm means that the blood from the aneurysm is leaking and spreading between the layers of the aortic wall.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
  • High blood pressure
  • Smoking
  • Arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis
  • Inherited connective tissue defects (Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
  • Polyarteritis nodosa
  • Bacterial endocarditis
  • Syphilis
  • Age: 60 or older
  • History of heart attack
  • Obesity
  • Family members with aneurysms
  • Infectious aortitis
  • Great vessel arteritis
  • Injury to the aorta

Symptoms

Symptoms include:
  • Pain in the abdomen or in the lower back
  • Boring, gnawing, constant pain occurring over hours or days
  • Sudden onset of severe stabbing pain
  • Unusual sensation of pulsing in the abdomen
  • Cough, shortness of breath (thoracic aortic aneurysm)
  • Sudden blood pressure drop, fainting (upon rupture of aneurysm)

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Pain is the symptom that will most likely cause you to go to the doctor. Some Aortic Aneurysms are discovered during a routine physical exam.

Tests may include:
  • Abdominal or chest x-ray
  • Abdominal or chest ultrasound
  • CT scan of the abdomen or chest (best performed with an injection of contrast dye)
  • MRI scan of the abdomen or chest (may also utilize contrast dye)

Treatment

Treatment includes:

Surgery
Surgery to repair an Aortic Aneurysm is called aneurysmectomy. It involves removing the portion of the aorta that contains the aneurysm and replacing it with a mesh graft.

When deciding whether to operate, the doctor will consider:
  • Your age
  • Your general health
  • Your symptoms
  • The size of your aneurysm
Antibiotic Medication

If your aneurysm is infected, you will be given antibiotics prior to surgery

Prevention

There are no guidelines for preventing an aneurysm because the cause is not known. However, you can reduce some of your risk factors by following these recommendations:
  • Eat a healthful diet, one that is low in saturated fat and rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
  • Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Begin a safe exercise program as recommended by your doctor.
  • Seek treatment for high blood pressure, syphilis, and other infections.