Alternative Names
Aneurysm – aortic; AAA
Definition of Abdominal aortic aneurysm
An abdominal aortic is when the large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, and legs becomes abnormally large or balloons outward.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors for developing an aortic aneurysm include:
Symptoms
Aneurysms develop slowly over many years and often have no symptoms. If an aneurysm expands rapidly, tears open (ruptured aneurysm), or blood leaks along the wall of the vessel (aortic dissection), symptoms may develop suddenly.
Signs and tests
Your doctor will examine your abdomen. The exam also will include an evaluation of pulses and sensation in your legs. The doctor may find:
Treatment
If you have bleeding inside your body from an aortic aneurysm, you will have open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
Expectations (prognosis)
The outcome is usually good if an experienced surgeon repairs the aneurysm before it ruptures. However, less than 40% of patients survive a ruptured abdominal aneurysm.
Review
James Lee, MD, Department of Surgery, Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 8/21/2009
