Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a life-threatening condition if it is not recognized and intervened quickly. It occurs when the lower part of the aorta, which is the main artery that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis, legs and all other parts of the body, expands and balloons. Since the aorta is the largest vessel in the body, a ruptured or ruptured aortic aneurysm can lead to serious bleeding, resulting in fatal complications. Since aneurysms are sensitive and weak, the risk of rupture is high. Therefore, aneurysms should be recognized early and should not be left untreated. Depending on the size, location, and growth rate of the aneurysm, there are a number of treatment protocols that range from observation to emergency surgery. Abdominal aortic aneurysm is also known as stomach aneurysm or abdominal aneurysm. The high pressure and high blood volume inside the arteries can cause the blood vessels to widen in diameter and rupture in the future. Abdominal aortic aneurysm, that is, aortic aneurysm in the abdomen, describes the enlargement and ballooning of the part of the aorta located in the abdomen, which is the largest artery in the body. Aortic Aneurysms can be located anywhere along the aortic course. Most of it is located in the abdominal part of the aorta, which is located in the abdomen. The main factors that play a role in the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm can be listed as follows:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries): Atherosclerosis causes narrowing of the vessel diameter by the accumulation of fat, cholesterol and harmful substances in the inner part of the blood vessels and the formation of plaques. High blood pressure level: One of the most dangerous long-term complications of high blood pressure is that it causes weakening and damage to the aortic wall, leading to aneurysm development.
- Vascular diseases: The main effect of vascular diseases is inflammation of the vascular walls and related loss of function. Inflammation of blood vessels, also known as vasculitis known.
- Infections located in the aorta: Although it is a rare condition, some bacterial or fungal infections may localize in the aorta and may cause aneurysm by disrupting the vessel wall structure.
- Traumas: Especially high-energy traumas, The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm is high in cases such as in-vehicle and out-of-vehicle traffic accidents.
- Tobacco use: Smoking is a strong known risk factor for aortic aneurysms as well as all aneurysms. Tobacco use causes damage and loss of structural proteins in the wall structure of arteries, weakening the vessel wall and increasing the risk of aneurysm and rupture. The duration and amount of smoking are directly proportional to the risk of developing aortic aneurysm. Abdominal ultrasound scanning is recommended for active smokers or male patients aged 65-75 years with a previous smoking history.
- Age: Age is among the predisposing factors for abdominal aortic aneurysms, and the risk increases after 65 years of age. Although age is a factor that cannot be changed, the way of aging can be changed and a healthy aging is possible.
- Gender: The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in men is higher than in women.
- Family history: Especially in first degree relatives, abdominal aortic aneurysm Having a history of aortic aneurysm increases the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm. It has been shown that abdominal aortic aneurysm may have a genetic transition. Some inherited diseases involving connective tissue, such as Marfan Syndrome or Ehlers Danlos, tend to weaken blood vessels and lead to aneurysms. The affected vessel is often the abdominal aorta.
- Previous aneurysm disease or presence of aneurysm in another region: Presence of aneurysm in the artery located behind the knee or in the thoracic aorta, which is the part of the aorta in the chest, increases the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
- Obesity and high cholesterol: High amount of adipose tissue and high triglyceride levels together with high cholesterol can lead to deterioration in the vascular structure and aneurysms. severity and progress
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms
Abdominal aortic aneurysms usually do not show any symptoms until they rupture. Since the symptoms of aortic aneurysm in the abdomen may not be very severe, it may lead to delayed diagnosis. The main symptoms that can be seen are: • Pain in the back, legs or abdomen that does not decrease in severity • Pulse like a heartbeat felt in the abdomen • Cold, pale and clammy skin • Dizziness • Fainting and clouding of consciousness • High pulse • Stomach pain • Nausea and vomiting • Breathing stenosis• There may be severe, tearing sudden pains in the abdominal region that can hit the waist or legs. In the presence of sudden onset and very severe pain, a healthcare provider should be consulted urgently. The main complications related to abdominal aortic aneurysm are; rupture of the aortic wall as a whole or a single layer (aortic dissection) and rupture of the aneurysm. The larger the aneurysm and the higher its growth rate, the greater the risk of rupture and severe bleeding. Sudden, persistent and intense abdominal and back pain described as a tearing sensation, low blood pressure and rapid pulse may indicate rupture of the aortic aneurysm.
How to Diagnose Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Aortic aneurysm is usually diagnosed incidentally, as it often does not cause symptoms. It is possible to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms that have not yet ruptured during examination and tests for different reasons. Preferred imaging methods for the diagnosis of abdominal vascular diseases and abdominal aortic aneurysm are mainly as follows.
• Abdominal ultrasound: It is a technique that provides rapid and painless imaging of the body using ultrasound sound waves. Aortic aneurysm and rupture can often be diagnosed by abdominal ultrasound. • 3D computed tomography angiography (CTA): If an aneurysm is seen or suspected by abdominal ultrasound, the patient can be referred for computed tomography angiography. Since computed tomography angiography is a procedure performed with contrast material, caution is recommended in cases such as renal failure. Computed tomography angiography can determine the exact location, size and severity of the aneurysm.Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms varies according to the location and size of the aneurysm. Aneurysms with a diameter less than 5 centimeters are not at high risk of rupture and may not require immediate treatment. He was diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm; however, it is necessary to be careful even in cases where follow-up is planned according to risk factors and expert evaluation. Conditions to be careful about can be summarized as follows:
- Having ultrasound at regular intervals to monitor the size of the aneurysm and determine its growth rate.
- To keep blood pressure low and regular, regularly if prescribed using drugs.
- To avoid smoking and smoking environments.
- To adopt an active lifestyle and to maintain weight control.
- Eating a healthy and regular diet reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. keeping cholesterol levels low to reduce it.
- Staying away from alcohol.
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