Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a weakened or damaged part of an artery wall that bulges from the normal force of blood pumping through the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an aneurysm that occurs in the lower part of the aorta, the main artery of the body.
The major concern with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is that it can enlarge and burst (rupture) or blood can flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta through a tear (aortic dissection). Both of these conditions can cause bleeding inside the body and can be life threatening unless diagnosed and treated promptly.
CAUSES
The exact cause of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is unknown. Some contributing factors are:
A hardening of the arteries caused by the buildup of fat and other substances in the lining of a blood vessel …show more content…
X-ray exams.
A computed tomography (CT).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Angiography or arteriography.
TREATMENT
Treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm depends on the size of your aneurysm, your age, and risk factors for rupture. Medication to control blood pressure and pain may be used to manage aneurysms smaller than 6 cm. Regular monitoring for enlargement may be recommended by your caregiver if:
The aneurysm is 3–4 cm in size (an annual ultrasonography may be recommended).
The aneurysm is 4–4.5 cm in size (an ultrasonography every 6 months may be recommended).
The aneurysm is larger than 4.5 cm in size (your caregiver may ask that you be examined by a vascular surgeon).
If your aneurysm is larger than 6 cm, surgical repair may be recommended. There are two main methods for repair of an aneurysm:
Endovascular repair (a minimally invasive surgery). This is done most often.
Open repair. This method is used if an endovascular repair is not
An aneurysm is a weakened or damaged part of an artery wall that bulges from the normal force of blood pumping through the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an aneurysm that occurs in the lower part of the aorta, the main artery of the body.
The major concern with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is that it can enlarge and burst (rupture) or blood can flow between the layers of the wall of the aorta through a tear (aortic dissection). Both of these conditions can cause bleeding inside the body and can be life threatening unless diagnosed and treated promptly.
CAUSES
The exact cause of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is unknown. Some contributing factors are:
A hardening of the arteries caused by the buildup of fat and other substances in the lining of a blood vessel …show more content…
X-ray exams.
A computed tomography (CT).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Angiography or arteriography.
TREATMENT
Treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm depends on the size of your aneurysm, your age, and risk factors for rupture. Medication to control blood pressure and pain may be used to manage aneurysms smaller than 6 cm. Regular monitoring for enlargement may be recommended by your caregiver if:
The aneurysm is 3–4 cm in size (an annual ultrasonography may be recommended).
The aneurysm is 4–4.5 cm in size (an ultrasonography every 6 months may be recommended).
The aneurysm is larger than 4.5 cm in size (your caregiver may ask that you be examined by a vascular surgeon).
If your aneurysm is larger than 6 cm, surgical repair may be recommended. There are two main methods for repair of an aneurysm:
Endovascular repair (a minimally invasive surgery). This is done most often.
Open repair. This method is used if an endovascular repair is not