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.

Treatment

Medical therapy of aortic aneurysms involves strict blood pressure control. This does not treat the aortic aneurysm per se, but control of hypertension within tight blood pressure parameters may decrease the rate of expansion of the aneurysm.

Related Topics:
Blood pressure - Hypertension

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The definitive treatment for an aortic aneurysm is surgical repair of the aorta. This typically involves opening up of the dilated portion of the aorta and insertion of a dacron patch tube. Once the tube is sewn into the proximal and distal portions of the aorta, the aneurysmal sac is closed around the artificial tube.

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A recent treatment option is the placement of a stent via a percutaneous technique into the diseased portion of the aorta. Percutaneous stenting of aortic aneurysms has a lower mortality rate than an open surgical approach, and has been used in individuals with co-morbid conditions that make them a high risk for surgery.

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The determination of when surgery should be performed is usually based on the diameter of the aneurysm. A rapidly expanding aneurysm should be operated on as soon as feasible, since it has a greater chance of rupture. Slowly expanding aortic aneurysms may be followed by routine diagnostic testing (ie: CT scan or ultrasound imaging). If the aortic aneurysm grows at a rate of more than 1 cm/year, surgical treatment should be electively performed.

Related Topics:
CT scan - Ultrasound

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The current treatment guidelines suggest elective surgical repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm when the diameter of the aneurysm is greater than 5cm. However, recent data suggests medical management for abdominal aneurysms with a diameter of less than 5.5 cm.{{ref|lancet-1998}}

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In the case of thoracic aortic aneurysms, the current recommendation for treatment of an ascending aortic aneurysm is elective repair when the diameter is greater than 5.5 cm if the individual does not suffer from Marfan syndrome. If the aneurysm is below the arch of the aorta, the treatment of a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm is elective repair when the diameter is greater than 6.5 cm. In individuals with Marfan syndrome, surgical treatment of an ascending aneurysm should be performed when the diameter of the aorta reaches 5cm, while treatment of a descending thoracic aneurysm should be performed when the diameter of the aorta reaches 6 cm.

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