Aortic aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a general term for any swelling (dilatation or aneurysm) of the aorta, usually representing an underlying weakness in the wall of the aorta at that location. While the stretched vessel may occasionally cause discomfort, it is the risk of rupture causing severe pain, massive internal hemorrhage and, without prompt treatment, resulting in a quick death. In addition the aneurysm may split (Aortic dissection) which may block vessels that branch off from the aorta or release blood clots (emboli) causing blockage to blood-flow elsewhere.

References

• {{note|lancet-1998}} Mortality results for randomised controlled trial of early elective surgery or ultrasonographic surveillance for small abdominal aortic aneurysms. The UK Small Aneurysm Trial Participants. Lancet. 1998 Nov 21;352(9141):1649-55. (Medline abstract)
• {{note|DH-UK-2001}} Routine screening in the management of AAA, UK Department of Health study Report
• {{note|Bandolier27}} Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening, a review by Bandolier a Uk independant source of evidence based healthcare information. in the UK and worldwide for both healthcare professionals and consumers. Bandolier 27-3 Article