Abdominal Aortic AneurysmWhat is it?
 An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a localized
weakening and ballooning out of the abdominal aorta, the largest
artery of the body and the blood supply to the lower half of the
body. It is a complication of atherosclerosis, the most common
disease of the arteries and the primary cause of heart
disease and stroke. Risk factors include smoking, fatty foods,
overweight, high blood pressure, and male gender.
Why is diagnosis important?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms develop and enlarge over many years.
As they become larger, they become more likely to rupture, an often
fatal consequence. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms result
in over 15,000 deaths per year in the U.S. Effective treatment of AAA is available and making the
diagnosis is the first step.
How is it detected?
AAA can be found occasionally on a physical exam or accidentally
during an imaging test such as a CT or Ultrasound study of the
abdomen performed for another condition. Since this condition
is common and very important to diagnose, several major health
organizations now recommend Screening Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound
exam for detection, particularly in people with significant risk
factors such as smoking or a family history of AAA. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recently issued an official
government recommendation for AAA screening in men between 65 and 75
that have ever smoked. This is a step in the right direction and
will hopefully lead to Medicare reimbursement of this important
screening exam.
How is it treated?
Small aneurysms have a low risk
of rupture and are followed using ultrasound to make certain that
they remain small. If a AAA reaches a size over 5 cm (2
inches) in width,
risk of rupture is significant and repair is recommended.
Traditionally this required open surgery to place a synthetic graft
in place of the aneurysmally dilated segment of aorta. Now
there is a safer and less invasive alternative for suitable
candidates,
Endovascular Repair
of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, graft placement through small
incisions into the common femoral arteries.
Screening Abdominal Aortic Ultrasound is performed by our qualified
ultrasonographers at each of our locations.
Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is
performed by SDI Radiologists at St. Joseph's Hospital.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Albert Einstein died of a ruptured aortic aneurysm. Senator Bob Dole and
baseball personality Bob Uecker had AAA's that were found in time.
Links:
National Aneurysm Alliance
(www.screenaaa.org)
Legs for Life (www.legsforlife.org)
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