An abdominal aneurysm is a condition of the aortic artery. It occurs when a part of the aortic artery widens and begins to bulge. Many may experience abdominal pains that may radiate through the back. If it becomes severe enough the artery can rupture.
Identification
An aneurysm is a condition that involves the widening of blood vessels in localized areas. This can become a dangerous situation. An aneurysm is a condition that happens in two major parts of the body. One place is the brain, called a brain aneurysm, and the other is the abdomen, called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm occurs in one of the main arteries, the aorta. This is a large artery that allows blood to flow through from the heart to the rest of the body. When an abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs, part of the aorta may become wide and bulge out. Because of this thinning and bulging, it can cause the artery to rupture, causing an aneurysm.
Causes
There are many reasons why someone may develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The main cause is hardening of the arteries or arteriosclerosis. In cases that were reported, 80% were caused by arteriosclerosis. As blood pumps through the aortic artery it causes it to expand at the weakened site.
Another cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms is genetics. Many people who have first blood relatives that developed this condition may be at risk for getting it as well. Because of this genetic disposition, many tend to get them at a younger age.
A person who has been in a posttraumatic accident, resulting in any damage to the aorta, is also at risk for an aneurysm.
If a person suffers from an immunodeficiency, drug abuse, or has had heart valve surgery, he also is at risk. He can develop a fungal infection which can cause weakening of the arteries.
Other Risk Factors
Other risk factors associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms are smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Symptoms
Normally with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, there are no symptoms. Usually, the condition is caught on film during a CT scan or ultrasound. If symptoms do occur, the most common one is pain. Pain is felt usually in the middle of the abdomen and radiates through the back. When position is changed the pain may go away.
Sometimes these pains can worsen as the aneurysm gets worse. It can cause severe back pain and stomach pain. Changing positions don't seem to help. During this time of severe pain, there is a possibility of rupture.
Treatment
An abdominal aortic aneurysm can be repaired with surgery. Endovascular surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that can be done without opening the abdomen. A surgeon guides a stent to the site of the aneurysm, repairing the vessel wall.
After this surgery, the patient is watched carefully. Regular postop check-ups will be needed.
Tags: abdominal aortic, aortic aneurysm, abdominal aortic aneurysm, aneurysm condition, aortic artery, abdominal aortic, abdominal aortic aneurysm