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Aortic Aneurysm

Condition Basics

What is an aortic aneurysm?

An aortic aneurysm (say "a-OR-tik AN-yuh-rih-zum") is a bulge in a section of the aorta, the body's main artery. The aorta carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Because the section with the aneurysm is overstretched and weak, it can burst. If the aorta bursts, it can cause serious bleeding that can quickly lead to death.

Aneurysms can form in any section of the aorta.

A pseudoaneurysm happens when a bulge occurs but doesn't affect all three layers of tissue in the wall of the aorta. This type of aneurysm might be caused by an injury.

What causes it?

The wall of the aorta is normally very elastic. It can stretch and then shrink back as needed to adapt to blood flow. But some medical problems, such as atherosclerosis and certain infections, weaken the artery walls. These problems, along with the natural wear and tear of aging, can cause an aneurysm.

What are the symptoms?

Most aortic aneurysms don't cause symptoms. But symptoms may occur if the aneurysm gets bigger. The most common symptoms include belly, chest, or back pain that may spread to the groin, buttocks, or legs. The pain may be deep, aching, or throbbing. If the aneurysm bursts, or ruptures, it causes sudden, severe pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Aneurysms are often diagnosed by chance during tests done for other reasons. In some cases, they are found during a screening test for aneurysms. If your doctor thinks you have an aneurysm, you may have tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to find out where it is and how big it is.

How is an aortic aneurysm treated?

An aortic aneurysm may be repaired with surgery or a procedure if the aneurysm is at risk of bursting open (rupturing). If you have symptoms, a large aneurysm, or a fast-growing aneurysm, you need surgery to fix it.

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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