Aneurysm

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) occurs when the wall of the aorta, the main artery in the chest and abdomen, progressively weakens and balloons outward. This causes a dilation of the vessel. Sometimes the iliac artery may also be affected. The aneurysm will grow larger and eventually rupture if not diagnosed and treated.

Most aneurysms are caused by a breakdown in the proteins providing structural strength to the wall of the aorta. While these proteins can gradually deteriorate with age, some conditions accelerate the process, including atherosclerosis, an excess of certain enzymes and in rare cases, infection.

Most doctors agree that, for someone in good health, a AAA larger than five centimeters in diameter (about the size of a lemon) needs treatment. Smaller aneurysms may also need treatment if they cause symptoms like back or abdominal pain, or if tests show the aneurysm has rapidly grown.

When diagnosed early, treatment is safe and effective, and the aneurysm is cured. Surgery is usually required, but modern, catheter-based technologies using endovascular grafts have made treatment less invasive in many cases. Vascular Associates provides both surgical and minimally invasive procedures to treat AAA.

For More Information

Check out the following articles from vascularweb.org:

  Abdomonial Aortic Aneurysm
  Thoracic Aneurysm