What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a balloon-like bulge in your aorta. It affects the part of your aorta that runs through your abdomen. Your aorta is your body鈥檚 main artery.
Is an AAA Serious?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms that grow large are more likely to rupture (leak). A ruptured aorta is a life-threatening emergency.
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What Causes an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms develop because of weakening in the artery wall. Sometimes this weakening doesn鈥檛 have a clear cause. Some factors may make an AAA more likely:
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Atherosclerosis, plaque buildup and hardening in the arteries
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High blood pressure, which can stress artery walls
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Blood vessel diseases that can lead to inflammation and damage
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Aortic infections, which are rare
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Trauma, such as an injury from a car accident
Some people are more likely to develop an AAA:
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Men over 65 with a history of cigarette use
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People with a close family member who has an AAA
Are Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Hereditary?
Abdominal aortic aneurysms tend to run in families:
About 10% of people with AAAs have a family history of the condition.
People who have a parent, sibling, or child with an AAA have a 1 in 5 chance of developing the condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
You typically don鈥檛 have symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm before it ruptures. Sometimes, you or your provider may be able to feel a large pulse near your belly button. Some people experience subtle symptoms:
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Deep, constant pain in your belly or side
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Back pain
When to See a Doctor
You should meet with a vascular surgeon if another provider diagnoses you with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Vascular surgeons often monitor small aneurysms with imaging once or twice a year. Seek emergency medical care if you experience belly or back pain for no known reason, especially if it鈥檚 sudden or severe.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosis and Surveillance
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are diagnosed and monitored in a variety of ways:
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Abdominal ultrasound
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Abdominal CT scan
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Abdominal MRI
Your abdominal aorta is about 1.7鈥2.5 centimeters wide. Doctors diagnose an aneurysm when your abdominal aorta is larger than three centimeters.
How Is Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Done?
If you have risk factors for AAA, your primary care provider may order an AAA screening.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
Your doctor will consider your symptoms, the size of the aneurysm, and your overall health when recommending a treatment plan. Your doctor may recommend surgery if your aneurysm is growing rapidly or larger than 5鈥5.5 centimeters (1.9鈥2.2 inches).
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Surgery
The goal of AAA surgery is to re-route blood flow so it doesn鈥檛 put any pressure on the weakened part of your aorta. This re-route helps prevent a rupture. The shape and location of your aneurysm will determine what repair approach is best for you. There are two main abdominal aortic aneurysm repair techniques:
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Open surgery: Your surgeon will replace your aorta with a tube made of synthetic material. You will usually need to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) for one to two nights following your procedure. You will be in the hospital for about a week.
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Endovascular aneurysm repair: Your surgeon will use catheters (thin, flexible tubes) that travel inside your blood vessels. They will re-line the inside of the enlarged part of your aorta with an endograft. An endograft is a combination of synthetic material and metal. Doctors can usually perform this procedure without making large incisions (cuts) in your belly. Instead, they insert the catheters through blood vessels in your groin. You鈥檒l usually go home the day after surgery.
Find an Aortic Disease Surgeon
Why Choose 香蕉视频 of Utah Health?
Our aortic disease team provides comprehensive care for aortic aneurysms. We have special training to diagnose and treat all aortic aneurysms, no matter where they are or what branches of the heart they affect. We diagnose, monitor, and operate on aortic aneurysms with both open and endovascular techniques. In non-emergency situations, we can discuss treatment options with you via a virtual appointment.
We provide coordinated, high-quality care that focuses on you and your family. Our research involvement offers eligible patients access to the newest promising treatment options.
Schedule an Appointment with Our Specialists
Call 801-581-3495 to make an appointment with our aortic team. You don鈥檛 need a provider referral. We will order your imaging tests if you haven鈥檛 already had them.
