Complications, Risk Factors & Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm that occurs in the abdominal region causes a rupture when the size is increased beyond 5cm. The rupture of the aorta leaks the blood into the surrounding regions causing damage to blood vessels and the surrounding nerves. It is a severe complication and requires immediate attention.

Failing to attend to the complication results in death. The mortality rate stands at 80% after there is a rupture of an aneurysm.

Diagnosing an aortic aneurysm is difficult, as it does not show any sign until there is a rupture. However, most of the people discover its existence during a scan while attending to a different treatment. The diagnosis consists of CT scan, angiography, x-ray, and MRI scan. The results obtained using these tests will be helpful for the physician to determine the presence of an aneurysm along with its location, shape, and size.

The gravity of the ailment depends on the size, shape, and location of an aneurysm. If the size exceeds 5 centimeters in diameter, then the doctor prefers an operation to ensure there is no rupture. However, opting for surgery at all times is not the preferable solution, as it depends on the shape and even the location.

The risk factors associated with an aortic aneurysm involves internal bleeding that leads to death. The rate of survival reduces along with the growth of an aneurysm. The growth rate is approximately 10% per annum. As it is difficult to detect in the initial stage, possessing knowledge about the symptoms will be helpful in screening to check for the presence of an aneurysm.

There is no specific or concrete evidence that points out for the presence of an aortic aneurysm. However, based on the case studies and from experience handled by the doctors, the following symptoms are noticeable in people who have an aneurysm:

• Pain in the abdominal region
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Vomiting sensation
• Nausea
• Short-term memory loss
• Confusion
• Numbness to one side of the body
• Reduced response rate
• Instability.

As the serious complication of an aortic aneurysm is death, attending to it in the initial stage provides the needed treatment that helps in blocking a rupture. Depending on the results achieved in the diagnosis, the doctor chooses the treatment procedure suitable for the patient.

The treatment plan varies according to the result as well as the patient’s health condition. Additional factors include age, gender, medical history of the family, allergic reactions, high blood pressure, alcohol and smoking habits. High B.P or blood pressure and smoking habits pose a severe threat to the growth of an aneurysm.

In the first phase, upon receiving the results, the doctor will discuss the case with the patient. If the size of an aortic aneurysm measures less than 5 centimeters in diameter, he prefers to keep the patient in observation and changes the diet to ensure reduced blood pressure. He also refers to a therapist who assists in reducing/stopping alcohol and smoking habits.

If the size of an aortic aneurysm measures greater than 5 centimeters in the reports, then the doctor considers surgery based on the health condition of the patient. He also considers the post-operation survival rate before finalizing the decision. Surgery helps in removing an aneurysm to prevent a rupture and further growth of the same across the aorta.

The doctor monitors the patient with the help of the scanned images to ensure that there is no internal bleeding or further occurrences of an aortic aneurysm.

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Also Read:

• Which is the Most Serious Complication Of An Aortic Aneurysm?
• How Serious Is Calcification of the Aorta?
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm