In order to understand what aortic aneurysm is, it will first be useful to consider the terms that make up the name of the disease.
Aorta; It is the name given to the largest artery that originates from the left ventricle of the heart and distributes the clean and red blood pumped by the heart to the entire body system. Systematic and adequate distribution of this oxygen-rich clean blood to the body is only possible with the healthy functioning of this artery.
Aneurysm; The term derives its origin from the Greek word meaning 'expansion'. Increasing the amount of pressure causes the thickness of the vessel wall to decrease, resulting in an enlargement of the vessel, which we call aneurysm.
Aortic aneurysm is the expansion of the points where the aortic wall is weak and ballooning occurs due to this expansion. The pressure caused by the blood pumped within the aorta causes the weakened vessel wall to expand outward like a balloon.
Aneurysm can occur in any part of the aorta. Where it occurs determines the type of aneurysm.
What are the Types of Aortic Aneurysm?
Aortic aneurysm is divided into types and named according to where it occurs in the artery. In this regard, there are 2 types of aneurysms;
-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms; It is understood that the aorta is enlarged in the abdominal region. It is the most common type of aortic aneurysm.
-Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms; It occurs in the part of the aorta in the chest. Thoracic aortic aneurysm can occur at the root of the aorta, in the ascending aorta, in the part of the chest where the aorta bends, or in the descending aorta.
What are the Risks That May Occur Due to Aortic Aneurysm?
The size of the aneurysm occurring in the aorta may increase over time and cause various symptoms.
-When an aortic aneurysm grows too large, it can rupture and cause life-threatening situations. In fact, the risk of sudden death may arise as a result of bleeding that occurs as a result of the rupture of the aortic aneurysm. If this vessel, through which blood is pumped very quickly, expands and ruptures, no symptoms occur. Sudden deaths have been observed.
-In aortic aneurysm, it is also possible for a blood clot to form within the aneurysm. Small pieces of this blood clot can break off and travel around the body. If a small piece of the blood clot becomes stuck in the heart or brain vessel, a stroke or heart attack may occur. Likewise, if a piece of a blood clot gets stuck in organs such as the kidneys or liver, these organs may become unable to function normally. The presence of a blood clot blocking blood flow in the legs, feet or arms may cause numbness, tingling or pain in that area.
What are the Risk Factors of Aortic Aneurysm?
Some of the risk factors that apply in case of aortic aneurysm also include some factors that increase the risk of heart attack. We can list these factors as follows:
-Hardening of the artery walls; This condition means arteriosclerosis, which is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular diseases. A hardening of the vascular wall may pave the way for the development of an aortic aneurysm.
-High blood pressure; Arterial pressure, which is higher than normal, is effective in the development of aortic aneurysm due to the pressure it exerts.
-Diabetes; High blood sugar and the persistence of this situation appear as a risk factor.
-High cholesterol; This substance, which accumulates in vascular tissues, poses a serious risk factor due to the high rate of bad cholesterol, which is prevented from accumulating in the tissues and can be excreted by the good cholesterol in the blood.
-Smoking; Many harmful substances, especially carbon monoxide, found in cigarette smoke mix with the blood. When these substances mix with the blood, blood flow slows down and diseases such as arteriosclerosis occur.
-Hereditary; A number of body characteristics inherited genetically from the family constitute a risk factor for the occurrence of aortic aneurysm. In some genetic tissue diseases, there is weakness in the structure of the aortic wall and aneurysm develops.
As a result of injuries or infection, damage to the aortic walls can occur. Aortic aneurysm may occur due to weight loss.
What Are the Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm and How Is It Diagnosed?
Most patients with aortic aneurysm may not have any complaints. In fact, aortic aneurysm is usually revealed through x-rays performed during health examinations for other and unrelated conditions. This is because aortic aneurysms often grow slowly over many years before they become large enough to cause symptoms. Even large aneurysms may have no symptoms. In this respect, we can say that it is often vital not to interrupt routine health examinations.
When aneurysm symptoms occur, the most common symptoms are pain in the chest or abdomen, depending on where the aneurysm occurs. Pain may occur intermittently or be continuous.
The most common complaint of patients, as a symptom of abdominal aortic aneurysm, is the feeling of a rhythmic pulse-like feeling in their abdomen.
In thoracic aortic aneurysm, symptoms may occur as back pain, shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing.
How is Aortic Aneurysm Treated?
Two treatment methods stand out in cases of aortic aneurysm:
-Open Surgical Repair; Depending on where the aneurysm occurs, an incision is made in the chest or abdomen and the necessary surgical procedures are performed. Open surgical repair surgeries are performed within 3-5 hours. Patients can be kept in the hospital for 5-6 days. Mostly, patients can continue their normal lives within 6-12 weeks.
-Endovascular Repair; Repair of aortic aneurysm by closed method. It is a method we prefer especially for abdominal aortic aneurysms. This procedure involves closing the aneurysm with a stent by entering from the groin, just like angiography. The endovascular repair process takes approximately 1-3 hours. Generally, patients are discharged within a day or two. The incisions are smaller compared to open surgical repair. Patients can usually return to their normal lives within 1-2 weeks.
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