AAA, Abdominal Aneurysm

AAA, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

It is a condition in which there is present a dilated lower part of aorta. Aorta arises from heart and its anatomic position is in the middle of chest and abdomen to keep it in check is extremely important because rupture of aorta is life-threatening and require emergency surgery.

Symptoms

There is variation in the growth pattern. Some never ruptures, some stay small, some enlarge quickly over time. It’s difficult to detect that’s why it remains silent and without any clinical manifestation for a very long time.

  1. A pulsation near the umbilicusAAA, Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
  2. Back ache
  3. Deep and continual pain in or side of abdomen.
Causes
  • Arteriosclerosis = when fats/lipids are deposited and hardened in the inner lining of aorta and other major vessels
  • A bacterial and fungal infection can sometime precipitate as abdominal aortic aneurysm.
  • Hypertension
  • Traumatic incident like car accidents may cause abdominal aortic aneurysm
  • Inflammation in the blood vessels.
Complications

Many complications occur when there is aortic dissection in one or more layers of aorta. Faster growing aneurysm which are more likely to rupture causes life threatening complication.

  1. Acute and deep abdominal or back ache feels like tearing sensation
  2. Hypotension
  3. Fast pulse
Prevention
  • Quit smoking and tobacco products
  • Have healthy diet plan including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and avoiding saturated bad fats
  • Do regular physical activity
  • Monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol and keep it under control
Diagnosis

It is often diagnosed unexpectedly during some routine medical checkups. However, it can be confirmed by following specialized techniques

  • Abdominal ultrasound. most common method to diagnose aneurysm
  • CT scan. It can detect the diameter actual position of aneurysm
  • MRI: a dye can also be injected in the blood vessel to get clear imaging also known as magnetic resonance angiography
Treatment
  • Monitoring the aneurysm by regular medical checkup is crucial to detect it growth rate and likelihood of rupture.
  • Open abdominal surgery which require section of damaged tissue to be removed.
  • A little invasive procedure is endovascular repair. However, this doesn’t suit 30% of patients.
Home remedies
  • Avoid lifting heavy things as it increases the risk of rupture
  • Try to stay calm and avoid stressful conditions
  • If you are hypertensive patient take medications properly to combat any possible spontaneous rupture
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