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.

• They are most common in the belly area. This type is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
• They can also happen in the upper body. This type is called a thoracic aortic aneurysm. These are much less common than abdominal aortic aneurysms.

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.

Most people who have an aortic aneurysm don't have symptoms. But symptoms may occur if the aneurysm gets bigger.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the chest, belly, or lower back, which may spread to the groin, buttocks, or legs. The pain may be deep, aching, or throbbing.
• A pulsating feeling in the belly.
• A "cold foot" or a black or blue painful toe. This can happen if a blood clot breaks off and blocks blood flow to the legs or feet.
• A cough or shortness of breath if the aneurysm is in the area of the lungs.
• Hoarseness.
• Trouble swallowing, or pain while swallowing.
• Fever or weight loss.

If an aortic aneurysm bursts, or ruptures, it causes sudden, severe pain, an extreme drop in blood pressure, and signs of shock. Without immediate treatment, it can quickly lead to death.

Aneurysms are often diagnosed by chance during exams or tests done for other reasons. In some cases, they are found during a screening test for aneurysms. Screening tests help your doctor look for a condition before symptoms appear.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening ultrasound test for abdominal aneurysms for men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.

Experts recommend screening tests for a thoracic aneurysm for anyone who has a close relative who's had a thoracic aortic aneurysm.

If your doctor thinks you have an aneurysm, you may have tests such as an ultrasound or a CT scan to find out where it is and how big it is.

Repair of an aortic aneurysm may be done if there's a risk of it bursting open (rupturing). Treatment of an aneurysm is based on how big it is, how fast it's growing, and if you have symptoms.

Large or fast-growing aneurysms.

If you have symptoms, a large aneurysm, or a fast-growing aneurysm, you need surgery to fix it. A doctor will repair the damaged part of the blood vessel during open surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.

Small aneurysms.

Small aneurysms rarely rupture. They are not usually treated.

You will have routine ultrasound tests to check the size of the aneurysm and see how fast it's growing.

Even if your aneurysm doesn't grow fast, you may be at risk for heart problems. Your doctor may suggest that you exercise more, eat a heart-healthy diet, and stop smoking. He or she may also prescribe medicine to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.