Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta
Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta: definition
The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilatation of a portion of the artery due to weakness in the wall. The risk is breaking with almost certain death.
We distinguish basically two types of aneurysms: aneurysms "real" with a widening of the aorta and "false" aneurysms represented by an aneurysmal sac (like a bag hung in the aorta).
Risks and consequences of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta
Each year, 200,000 new cases discovered aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Atheroma is the main cause of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, representing 95% of cases. Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta thus fits within the cardiovascular disease and mainly affects a population of more than 60 years.
Other causes are rare as syphilis, congenital anomalies of elastic tissue (Marfan's disease) or infections. The risk is represented by the break, this risk is estimated at nearly 20% in aneurysms with a diameter greater than 7 cm.
Causes and origins of the aneurysm of the abdominal aorta
Hypertension (HT) and atherosclerotic change the resistance of the aortic wall: the weakening leads to a slow and gradual distension of the aorta.
This distension is inevitable: the tension of the artery wall is indeed proportional to its radius and blood pressure (Laplace).
Hypertension is an aggravating factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Symptoms and signs of abdominal aortic aneurysm
The majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms show no symptoms. Otherwise, pain is the most common sign: it may be located in the abdomen, back or even chest. The pain is not specific: it can be a gravity or sometimes breakthrough pain. In some patients, a pulsatile mass is felt in the abdomen.
Symptoms of digestive disorders like constipation, vomiting are also possible.
It should be noted that pain in a patient with an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is a worrying sign that should not be overlooked (risk of cracking the aneurysm).
Finally, an aneurysm can be found at the stage of complications, including rupture with internal bleeding very serious.
Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta Prevention
With what should we not confuse aneurysm of the abdominal aorta?
Any abdominal mass is not an aneurysm, even if it is pulsatile. Lean subjects and / or in contact with a lesion of the aorta, may give the impression of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Moreover, the aorta can be naturally increased diameter within the dolichomega- aorta.
The cerebral aneurysm is an arterial dilatation, but located on one of the arteries supplying the brain. It is most often a malformation, aneurysm ruptures responsible for sometimes lethal.
Are there possible prevention in abdominal aortic aneurysm?
No specific prevention exists in aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. However, as with any disease of the cardiovascular system vascul area, changes in lifestyle are required: smoking cessation, regular physical activity and dietary measures.
Control of blood pressure is particularly important and adherence to medication regimens must be exemplary to limit the consequences of an increase in pressure on the aneurysm.
Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta Preparing consultation
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: when see?
In case of doubt a pulsatile mass that you felt and / or abdominal pain, it is important to consult your doctor who will prescribe an ultrasound to confirm or refute the diagnosis.
In a patient with a known aortic aneurysm, any new pain can result in cracking. Call the SAMU Centre 15 is then imperative while specifying the background.
What does the doctor faced with a abdominal aortic aneurysm?
The abdominal aortic aneurysm is often discovered during the routine clinical examination (abdominal palpation).
The diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm and will strongly suspected before a large abdominal mass, located to the left and swing.
The auscultation may reveal a breath reflecting the turbulence of blood to the aneurysm.
In all cases, medical tests confirm or refute the diagnosis: it is ultrasound and CT. These two tests are used to specify the size and the seat of the aneurysm.
Size and location of the aneurysm of the abdominal aorta determine the therapeutic strategy. Simple monitoring with regular monitoring by ultrasound in the surgical replacement of the portion of the aorta reached through prostheses inside the artery, different options are possible. They also depend on the age and general condition of the patient. The doctor and vascular surgeon will explain you.
How to prepare my next visit?
Regular checks ensure the monitoring of the aneurysm. Traditionally, surveillance for aneurysms of the abdominal aorta of less than 5 cm. All new sign, especially pain, requires an emergency appointment.
The aorta is the largest artery in the human body. The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a dilatation of a portion of the artery due to weakness in the wall. The risk is breaking with almost certain death.
We distinguish basically two types of aneurysms: aneurysms "real" with a widening of the aorta and "false" aneurysms represented by an aneurysmal sac (like a bag hung in the aorta).
Risks and consequences of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta
Each year, 200,000 new cases discovered aneurysms of the abdominal aorta. Atheroma is the main cause of aneurysms of the abdominal aorta, representing 95% of cases. Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta thus fits within the cardiovascular disease and mainly affects a population of more than 60 years.
Other causes are rare as syphilis, congenital anomalies of elastic tissue (Marfan's disease) or infections. The risk is represented by the break, this risk is estimated at nearly 20% in aneurysms with a diameter greater than 7 cm.
Causes and origins of the aneurysm of the abdominal aorta
Hypertension (HT) and atherosclerotic change the resistance of the aortic wall: the weakening leads to a slow and gradual distension of the aorta.
This distension is inevitable: the tension of the artery wall is indeed proportional to its radius and blood pressure (Laplace).
Hypertension is an aggravating factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Symptoms and signs of abdominal aortic aneurysm
The majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms show no symptoms. Otherwise, pain is the most common sign: it may be located in the abdomen, back or even chest. The pain is not specific: it can be a gravity or sometimes breakthrough pain. In some patients, a pulsatile mass is felt in the abdomen.
Symptoms of digestive disorders like constipation, vomiting are also possible.
It should be noted that pain in a patient with an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta is a worrying sign that should not be overlooked (risk of cracking the aneurysm).
Finally, an aneurysm can be found at the stage of complications, including rupture with internal bleeding very serious.
Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta Prevention
With what should we not confuse aneurysm of the abdominal aorta?
Any abdominal mass is not an aneurysm, even if it is pulsatile. Lean subjects and / or in contact with a lesion of the aorta, may give the impression of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. Moreover, the aorta can be naturally increased diameter within the dolichomega- aorta.
The cerebral aneurysm is an arterial dilatation, but located on one of the arteries supplying the brain. It is most often a malformation, aneurysm ruptures responsible for sometimes lethal.
Are there possible prevention in abdominal aortic aneurysm?
No specific prevention exists in aneurysm of the abdominal aorta. However, as with any disease of the cardiovascular system vascul area, changes in lifestyle are required: smoking cessation, regular physical activity and dietary measures.
Control of blood pressure is particularly important and adherence to medication regimens must be exemplary to limit the consequences of an increase in pressure on the aneurysm.
Aneurysm of the abdominal aorta Preparing consultation
Abdominal aortic aneurysm: when see?
In case of doubt a pulsatile mass that you felt and / or abdominal pain, it is important to consult your doctor who will prescribe an ultrasound to confirm or refute the diagnosis.
In a patient with a known aortic aneurysm, any new pain can result in cracking. Call the SAMU Centre 15 is then imperative while specifying the background.
What does the doctor faced with a abdominal aortic aneurysm?
The abdominal aortic aneurysm is often discovered during the routine clinical examination (abdominal palpation).
The diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm and will strongly suspected before a large abdominal mass, located to the left and swing.
The auscultation may reveal a breath reflecting the turbulence of blood to the aneurysm.
In all cases, medical tests confirm or refute the diagnosis: it is ultrasound and CT. These two tests are used to specify the size and the seat of the aneurysm.
Size and location of the aneurysm of the abdominal aorta determine the therapeutic strategy. Simple monitoring with regular monitoring by ultrasound in the surgical replacement of the portion of the aorta reached through prostheses inside the artery, different options are possible. They also depend on the age and general condition of the patient. The doctor and vascular surgeon will explain you.
How to prepare my next visit?
Regular checks ensure the monitoring of the aneurysm. Traditionally, surveillance for aneurysms of the abdominal aorta of less than 5 cm. All new sign, especially pain, requires an emergency appointment.
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