Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. The walls of the segment of the aorta in the abdomen can sometimes weaken, causing it to enlarge. This condition can put the patient at risk of rupture, which can be life-threatening.

Risk Factors

• Males are at higher risk
  
• Age > 60
  
• Smokers
  
• Family history of aneurysms
  
• Hypertension, hyperlipidemia, PVD and atherosclerosis
  

Symptoms

• Many patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm have no symptoms
  
• Sudden and severe back or abdominal pain may be a sign of a ruptured AAA
  

Diagnosis

• AAA ultrasound: an ultrasound to measure the size of the AAA. Once diagnosed, patients should follow up with their surgeon to monitor the size and progression of their aneurysm
• CT angiography: If the aneurysm progresses to the point that it necessitates repair, a CT Scan helps our surgeons determine and plan what repair is best suited for our patients

Treatment

• For aneurysms < 5 cm: Patients should follow up with us for surveillance of the aneurysms. Making sure blood pressure is controlled through low sodium diet and medications, as well as refraining from smoking can help keep AAA stable
• For aneurysms >5.5cm or rapidly expanding AAA: surgical repair of the AAA either through EVAR or Open Repair is indicated
  

Learn more

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Varicose and Spider Veins
Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease
Carotid Artery Disease
Dialysis Access
Wound Care
Vascular Lab
Giant Cell Arteritis
Lymphedema
Mesenteric Ischemia