abdominal aortic aneurysm

abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA),

abnormal dilatation of the abdominal aorta, usually in an area of severe atherosclerosis.

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abdominal aortic aneurysm

A focal aortic dilation of ≥ 50% ↑ in diameter, accompanied by distension and weakened aortic wall Epidemiology Incidence is rising 12/10⁵–1951; 36/10⁵–1980; ♂:♀ ratio 2:1; results in 15,000 deaths/yr–US 1988, population ± 230 x 106 Clinical Sudden, severe abdominal pain radiating to back Diagnosis 100% accuracy with Ultrasonography–Cons Difficult in obese subjects, or with excess bowel gas, periaortic disease, technique does not document proximal or distal ends of aneurysm for surgery Treatment ≥ 5 cm in diameter AAAs should be repaired; therapy of smaller AAAs is controversial Contraindications to elective reconstruction MI in last 6 months, intractable angina or CHF, severe pulmonary insufficiency with dyspnea at rest, severe renal insufficiency, life expectancy of ≤ 2 yrs Prognosis Treatment mortality is ± 6%; 25--40% of untreated cases rupture in 5 yrs, with a 90% mortality if ≥ 5 cm

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Patient discussion about abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Q. Is there a good screening test for aortic abdominal aneurysm? A friend of mine was diagnosed with an aortic abdominal aneurysm. I am afraid i might have this condition too. is there any screening test that is good for me?

A. Today there are "mobile" testing centers that charge to use ultrasound technology to detect such things as AAA. I would highly recommend it only because it can act as a preventative measure. I am 50 years old and just suffered a ruptured AAA that very nearly killed me. I was the fortunate one. This very possibly could have detected it before it actually ruptured. You may want to check in your local areas for these mobile testing centers.