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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Treatment
Aneurysm refers to a distended and, subsequently, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel (artery). Due to their weakened state, they are prone to enlargement and rupture. Abdominal aortic aneurysms affect the largest artery in the body, the aorta. The aorta, having its origin at the heart, takes a turn in the chest cavity, where it runs down to supply blood to the lower half of the body and legs. Abdominal aortic aneurysms affect approximately 2% of the population. Over 90% of these aneurysms are the result of atherosclerotic vascular disease. The aneurysm can slowly grow over time, eventually causing pain and/or internal bleeding (hemorrhagic shock).
Common symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm include:
SUDDEN onset of severe, mid-abdominal pain that frequently radiates to the back. The pain cannot be relieved by changing position. This is typically seen in a patient over 50, perhaps with a history of hypertension or prior documented atherosclerotic vascular disease. This disease can be confused clinically with kidney stones because of the similarity in the character of pain.
Evaluation and Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm will include:
History and physical examination. Examination of the abdomen may reveal a "pulsating" mass. The pulses in the groin may be diminished. Blood tests (blood counts, chemistry, and kidney profile) will be done. Abdominal ultrasound is frequently utilized to reveal the aneurysm.
Treatment will require emergency surgery to repair the aneurysm before rupture occurs. A Vascular Surgeon is the expert in the management of this problem.
The overall mortality rate for this disease is approximately 45%. Patients who are medically stable on admission to the hospital have a much better prognosis (mortality rates as low as 5%). Unstable patients may have a mortality rate in the range of 60 to 80%.
Hope this article will provide you information about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.
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