Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
The aorta is the main blood vessel carrying blood throughout the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge or widening (dilation) of the aorta caused by a weakening in the abdominal aortic wall. If the aneurysm becomes large enough, it may rupture.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur in about five percent of men over 60 and women over 70. This condition is the tenth leading cause of death in men over the age of 55, usually due to rupture. Ruptured aneurysms result in death in approximately 80–90 percent of cases.
Symptoms
Most patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms have no symptoms. If the aneurysm begins to leak or rupture, you may experience:- Abdominal or back pain.
- Flank or groin pain.
- Low blood pressure.
- Loss of consciousness.
Risk Factors
You might be at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm if you:- Smoke.
- Are male and over the age of 60.
- Have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Have high blood pressure (hypertension).
Screenings
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MemorialCare provides low cost, noninvasive vascular screenings to detect AAA.
Peripheral vascular disease screenings
MemorialCare provides low cost, noninvasive vascular screenings to detect AAA.
Peripheral vascular disease screenings
Diagnosis
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are often found incidentally during a routine physical examination by feeling a pulsating mass in the abdomen or on an X-ray exam performed for other reasons. Imaging modalities used to diagnose and characterize AAA include:Treatment
Small abdominal aortic aneurysms, less than five centimeters, should be regularly followed with ultrasound to track changes in size. Repair is typically performed when the AAA reaches five centimeters or larger, due to increasing risk of rupture. We offer minimally invasive endovascular procedures which typically have a lower risk and shorter recovery times than conventional surgical approaches.Minimally Invasive Interventions Surgery
