Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
AAA is a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from a weak or bulging area in the aorta, the major artery that moves blood from the heart throughout the body. Aneurysms are serious conditions because if the bugle grows too large, it could rupture and cause death.
When the wall of a blood vessel weakens, a balloon-like dilation called an aneurysm sometimes develops. This happens most often in the abdominal aorta, an essential blood vessel that supplies blood to your legs.
Fairly Common
Every year, 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). A ruptured AAA is the 15th leading cause of death in the country, and the 10th leading cause of death in men older than 55.
Family History is Important
Aneurysms run in families. If a first-degree relative has had an AAA, you are 12 times more likely to develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Of patients in treatment to repair an AAA, 5-25% have a first-degree relative with the same type of aneurysm.
Symptoms May Be Absent
In most cases, abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms and are found when you are being evaluated for another medical condition.
- Sudden, severe abdominal or back pain - If you have a family history of AAA and feel sudden, severe pain in your abdomen or back, seek immediate care. These symptoms may signal that you have developed an AAA, possibly one in process of rupturing.
- Pain, discolored skin, sores on toes and feet - A small percentage of patients with AAA have these symptoms when plaque or blood clots from elsewhere in the body collect in the feet and toes.
Causes
Many factors contribute to AAA formation. These include:
- Some type of inflammation that causes a weakening of the wall of the aortic artery.
- Men older than 60, smokers, Caucasians and anyone with a first-generation relative who has developed an AAA are at highest risk for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Age (50+ for men, 60+ for women) and a history of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, heart or peripheral vascular disease and tobacco use are all associated with AAA formation.
- Other potential factors associated with AAA formation include tears in the arterial wall, infections, and congenital connective tissue disorders.
Diagnosis
Most AAAs cause no symptoms and are found incidentally, during an evaluation for another medical condition. If you are affected, see a vascular surgeon.
Imaging Tests May Be Needed
An abdominal ultrasound is painless, cost-effective, safe and the most frequently utilized test to screen for and measure the size of an AAA.
Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) will assess aneurysm size, location and the extent of impact. This study requires exposure to radiation and injection of an intravenous contrast agent. However, a CTA provides valuable anatomic information and can help your vascular surgeon determine the optimal type of repair.