Abdominal aortic aneurysm history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | |||
The vast majority of aneurysms are asymptomatic. Spontaneous abdominal pain in a patient with a pulsatile epigastric mass or a known AAA may signal rupture into the retroperitoneum or leakage within the aneurysm wall. If a patient does develop symptoms, the risk of rupture is quite high, which is why symptoms are considered an indication for surgery. | |||
==Symptoms== | |||
Possible symptoms include | |||
*Low [[back pain]] | |||
*[[Flank pain]] | |||
*[[Abdominal pain]] | |||
*[[Groin pain]] | |||
*[[Pulsating abdominal mass]] | |||
As most of the AAAs are asymptomatic, their presence is usually revealed during an abdominal examination for another reason - the most common being abdominal ultrasonography. A physician may also detect the presence of an AAA by abdominal palpation. Note that an aneurysmal aorta may appear normal on angiogram, due to thrombus within the sac. | |||
As most of the AAAs are asymptomatic, their presence is usually revealed during an abdominal examination for another reason - the most common being abdominal ultrasonography. A physician may also detect the presence of an AAA by abdominal palpation | |||
* Many AAAs are detected incidentally during cardiac catheterizations, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for unrelated reasons. | * Many AAAs are detected incidentally during cardiac catheterizations, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for unrelated reasons. | ||
* Up to 50% of AAAs can be recognized on plain roentgenograms as a calcified aneurysmal wall. | * Up to 50% of AAAs can be recognized on plain roentgenograms as a calcified aneurysmal wall. | ||
* | * | ||
*:* This could lead to rapid expansion or imminent rupture. | *:* This could lead to rapid expansion or imminent rupture. | ||
* Peripheral embolization to the lower extremities (common in popliteal artery aneurysms) is rare with AAAs. | * Peripheral embolization to the lower extremities (common in popliteal artery aneurysms) is rare with AAAs. | ||
Revision as of 01:15, 28 October 2012
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Microchapters |
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Differentiating Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm from other Diseases |
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm history and symptoms On the Web |
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Directions to Hospitals Treating Abdominal aortic aneurysm history and symptoms |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Abdominal aortic aneurysm history and symptoms |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
The vast majority of aneurysms are asymptomatic. Spontaneous abdominal pain in a patient with a pulsatile epigastric mass or a known AAA may signal rupture into the retroperitoneum or leakage within the aneurysm wall. If a patient does develop symptoms, the risk of rupture is quite high, which is why symptoms are considered an indication for surgery.
Symptoms
Possible symptoms include
As most of the AAAs are asymptomatic, their presence is usually revealed during an abdominal examination for another reason - the most common being abdominal ultrasonography. A physician may also detect the presence of an AAA by abdominal palpation. Note that an aneurysmal aorta may appear normal on angiogram, due to thrombus within the sac.
- Many AAAs are detected incidentally during cardiac catheterizations, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed for unrelated reasons.
- Up to 50% of AAAs can be recognized on plain roentgenograms as a calcified aneurysmal wall.
-
- This could lead to rapid expansion or imminent rupture.
- Peripheral embolization to the lower extremities (common in popliteal artery aneurysms) is rare with AAAs.
- Rarely in larger or unstable aneurysms, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy may develop.
References