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Acerca de
Abdominal Aortic Disease
Every year, 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A ruptured AAA is the 15th leading cause of death in the country, and the 10th leading cause of death in men older than 55.
Overview
When the wall of a blood vessel weakens, a balloon-like dilation called an aneurysm sometimes develops. This is most likely to occur in the abdominal aorta, an essential blood vessel that supplies blood to your legs.
Symptoms
In most cases, abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms! Having these symptoms does not mean you have AAA, but may indicate that you might want to see a vascular specialist just to make sure. If your family has history of AAA, take these symptoms much more seriously, as you are 12 times more likely to develop an AAA if a first-degree relative had developed one in the past.
Sudden, Severe Abdominal or Back Pain
A pulsating mass in the abdomen
Dizziness or light-headedness
Shortness of breath
Causes
As stated, AAA is most common for those with a prior family history. However, there are some factors that may increase your likelihood of developing an AAA.
Inflammation that weakens the aortic artery
Personal History of Smoking, Obesity, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, Atherosclerosis, or Heart or Peripheral Vascular Disease
Age
Tears in the arterial wall, infections, or congenital connective tissue disorders
Diagnosis
AAA's are discovered on accident while a patient is being evaluated for a different medical concern. Often imaging tests, like abdominal ultrasounds, are done used to screen for and measure the size of an AAA. Computed Tomographic Angiography (CTA) will assess the size, location, and extent of impact of the aneurysm. However, CTAs require exposure to radiation and injection of a intravenous contrast agent. However, the information CTAs provide are extremely valuable and helps your vascular surgeon to determine the optimal method of repair.
Treatment
Treatment for AAAs vary based on the size. Small AAAs (<5 cm in diameter) have a very low chance of rupture, but should be watched. It's recommended to get an ultrasound every 6-12 months to monitor the growth of the aneurysm. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as exercising daily, quitting smoking, or ones that help you control blood pressure are recommended. Large AAAs (>5 cm in diameter) often require direct intervention. This is often through either open surgery, where your vascular surgeon will access the affected portion of the aortic artery through an incision in your abdomen and place a prosthetic graft, or through an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), where two small groin incisions are made and your vascular surgeon will navigate to the aortic artery and place a tiny device to reinforce the artery wall using X-ray imaging as a guide. EVAR is a less invasive procedure, often leading to lesser recovery times (EVAR: 1-3 days in the hospital; Open Surgery: 4-10 days in the hospital).
Visit Society of Vascular Surgery for more information.
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