Aortic Aneurysm
The largest artery in the body is the aorta, which transports blood to various body organs. The aorta originates from the heart’s left ventricle, and the aortic valve arches in the upper chest and follows down into the abdomen and pelvis close to the spine. Branches of the aorta supply blood to the body’s various organs, including the head, arms, intestines, kidneys, liver, and legs.
An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta at various levels, which can be seen as a dilatation or bulging in diagnostic studies.
If the aneurysm enlarges, it will stretch the various aorta walls, making them susceptible to rupture. A ruptured aneurysm is a serious condition that can lead to death quickly.
Aortic Aneurysm Can Occur in Various Part of the Body
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm are in the chest.
- Thoracoabdominal aneurysms extend from the chest into the abdomen.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms are within the abdominal cavity and can extend into the arteries of the thighs.
- Aortic aneurysms are severe medical conditions and carry a high risk of Aortic aneurysms are severe medical conditions and carry a high risk of rupture, which can lead to severe internal bleeding and potentially fatal outcomes.
Certain Disorders Increase the Risk of Developing Aortic Aneurysms Which Include:
- Emphysema
- Atherosclerotic heart disease
- Inherited disease such as Marfan syndrome or Ellers syndrome
- Smoking
- COPD
Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm
In general, most people with small aortic aneurysms do not have any symptoms; however, as the aneurysm enlarges, it can put pressure on the nearby structures with various symptoms, include.
- Emphysema
- Atherosclerotic heart disease
- Inherited disease such as Marfan syndrome or Ellers syndrome
- Smoking
- COPD
If an aneurysm ruptures, it can cause severe chest pain and back pain followed by internal bleeding, which would cause fainting, sweating, rapid heart rate, weakness, and death very rapidly.
Diagnosis of Aortic Aneurysm
It is difficult to diagnose aortic aneurysms on physical examination. However, noninvasive studies such as ultrasound are very good at diagnosing aortic aneurysms quickly and reliably. The common diagnostic tests for aortic aneurysms are:
- Ultrasound
- CT angiogram
- Magnetic resonance angiography, MRA
Treatments of Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic aneurysms should be treated if they enlarge to a certain size or if there is a high rate of enlargement but certain risk factors. Treatment should also come in earlier if there is a family history of ruptured aortic aneurysm or connective tissue disorder. We follow patients in our aneurysm clinic regularly with ultrasounds and other diagnostic.
Studies and monitors the size of the aneurysm and the rate of increasing the size. Medical therapy is instituted in every patient with tight blood pressure control, diabetes control, and smoking cessation; however, if patients meet the criteria, surgical treatment such as aortic aneurysm surgery or aortic aneurysm repair would be indicated.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
This is a well-established procedure that dates back at least 50 years. It is an invasive procedure that involves entering the thoracic or abdominal cavity and requires general anesthesia. The aneurysmal part of the aorta is resected and changed with an artificial tube graft. This procedure takes about 2-4 hours, and the patient stays in the hospital for about a week. Recovery time is several weeks to months.
Aortic aneurysm surgery remains a vital option for many patients. Following surgery, patients undergo intensive monitoring to ensure the success of the repair and prevent complications. Post-operative care includes managing pain, monitoring blood pressure, and preventing infections.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Endovascular aortic repair EVAR is relatively new but much better tolerated than open surgery because of its minimal invasiveness. During this procedure, the Endo graft is placed inside the aneurysm, obliterating it and decreasing the chance of rupture.
This procedure can be done with needle holes in the femoral arteries in the groin. This procedure is done under regional or general anesthesia. It can also be done under local anesthesia with fluoroscopy, and it usually takes one to 2, almost a complete.
Recoveries are quick, and patients usually go home the next day. Minimally invasive aortic aneurysm repair has shown promising results in terms of patient recovery.
At Encino Vascular Institute & vein center we can diagnose aortic aneurysms with ultrasounds or angiograms and provide recommendations for treatments
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