Detection of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

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
Legs for Life