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.

Signs, symptoms and diagnosis

Most intact aortic aneurysms do not produce any symptoms and also cannot be detected through physical examination - medical imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Untreated, aneurysms tend to become progressively larger, although the rate of enlargement is unpredictable for any individual. Rarely, clotted blood which lines most aortic aneurysms can break off and result in an embolus.

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Aortic aneurysms commonly occur in the abdominal aorta (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)), where the walls are thinner. Some AAAs may swell to over 6 inches in diameter before rupturing. An abdominal aortic aneurysm can often be palpated by firm pressure above and around the navel as a large, pulsatile mass. An AAA that is starting to tear (rupture) often gives rise to sharp, severe pain described by the patient as radiating straight through the abdomen to the back.

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Aortic aneurysms less commonly form in the thoracic aorta, where they are known as Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms. In about half of the individuals with a thoracic aortic aneurysm, an underlying cause is Marfan syndrome. Most of the rest of the individuals with thoracic aortic aneurysms have hypertension. Syphilis is a rare cause of ascending aortic aneurysms.

Related Topics:
Marfan syndrome - Hypertension - Syphilis

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