Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

When abdominal aorta becomes abnormally enlarge or balloons outward the condition is called Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm(AAA). It is a common form of aortic aneurysm. It can occur infrarenally, pararenally or suprarenally. About ninety percent of aortic aneurysm occur infrarenally. It is more common in men and occurs most commonly in individuals between 65 and 75 years old. Smokers are at stake and after 60 they must go for screening ultrasound. Life-threatening complication of aortic aneurysm is rupture of the aneurysm which can lead to death within minutes.

Causes or risk factors of aortic aneurysm include smoking, hypertension, hypercholestrolemia, male gender, emphysema, genetic factors and obesity. Abdominal aortic aneurysm may present with the symptoms of severe, sudden, persistent in abdomen or back, clammy skin, nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and shock. On examination examiner may find abdominal mass, stiff or rigid abdomen and pulsating sensations in the abdomen.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm can be asymptomatic or symptomatic. In asymptomatic AAA, surgery is indicated if the diameter of aneurysm is more than 5.4cm as there is high risk of its rupture. If it is symptomatic(pain, pressure, thromboembolic accidents), surgery is mandatory as mortality is 80% without surgery in one year. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can be managed by graft(Dacron) or endovascular stent grafting.