Aortic aneurysm rupture is usually fatal
How does an aortic aneurysm develop?
The aorta is the largest artery in the body; other arteries branch off from it to supply blood to the brain, internal organs, arms and legs.
An aortic aneurysm occurs when one or more areas of the aortic wall are weak or damaged. Over time, the pressure of blood flowing through this area can cause the affected area to expand or bulge. Such aneurysms most commonly occur in the abdomen (abdominal aortic aneurysm), but they can also develop in the chest area (thoracic aortic aneurysm).
Usually the aortic aneurysm is only monitored
Small, slowly growing aneurysms are often discovered only by chance, for example during an X-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest or abdomen.
A small aortic aneurysm with a diameter of less than 4 cm and a simultaneous low growth rate of up to 2% per year usually has only a small risk of rupture.
In this case, a "controlled wait-and-see" approach is recommended. The size and growth of the aortic aneurysm are monitored at regular intervals (at least once a year) using ultrasound. We recommend this examination as part of a complete health check to have carried out.
aortic aneurysm surgery
Any aortic aneurysm can rupture or burst, releasing large amounts of blood into the body. Rupture of an aortic aneurysm requires immediate emergency care.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms should be operated on if they are larger than about 5,5 cm in men or 5 cm in women. In many cases, newer technology now allows a procedure known as endovascular arterial repair (EVAR). In this procedure, surgeons insert a catheter and a vascular prosthesis (stent) plus prosthesis through an artery in the leg into the aortic aneurysm. A balloon expands the metal stent in the prosthesis so that blood flows past the bulge of the aneurysm and through the prosthesis.
Endovascular surgery carries a lower risk of complications than open surgery, and often only requires a one or two day stay in the Hospital stay.
Risk factors for an aortic aneurysm that cannot be influenced.
People over 60 and men are more likely to develop an aortic aneurysm. Even if aortic aneurysms occur in a family, other family members are also at risk. Congenital connective tissue disorders also increase the risk of a thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Certain risk factors for an aortic aneurysm can be reduced.
These risk factors include:
• Hypertension can weaken the walls of the arteries over time
• Smoking weakens and damages the inner lining of the arteries
• Elevated cholesterol level or arteriosclerosis cause plaques and hardening of the arteries and thus impair the strength of the aortic wall.
Watch for warning signs of aortic aneurysm
A rupture of the aortic aneurysm is usually noticeable through sudden back or abdominal pain, which often radiates into the groin and legs. Difficulty breathing, a sudden feeling of weakness on one side of the body or clammy, pale skin and fainting are other warning signs.
If you experience such symptoms, you should call an emergency doctor immediately. Most patients only survive a ruptured aortic aneurysm if they undergo emergency surgery. The sooner such an operation is carried out, the greater the chances of survival.