Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysms involve abnormal enlargements of the aorta, the primary artery transporting blood from the heart. They can occur anywhere along the aorta, posing unique challenges and potential complications. In the United States, aortic aneurysms or aortic dissections were the cause of 9,904 deaths in 2019 with a higher prevalence in men, especially those aged 60 and older.[1] Smoking is a major risk factor, contributing to about 75% of cases, while genetics also play a significant role. [2]  Though many cases are asymptomatic, some individuals may experience pain or discomfort. Regular health check-ups and imaging tests are crucial for early detection

Types of Aortic Aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is like a bulge in a major blood vessel in your belly. If it bursts, it can be very serious, with a high risk of 75 to 90% mortality. Especially for men over 60, it's the third leading cause of sudden death. That's why it's essential to catch and prevent AAA early on. Symptoms may include severe or dull pain in the abdomen, chest, lower back or groin area. Sudden, severe pain in the back or abdomen may mean the aneurysm is about to burst and is a life-threatening emergency. Call 9-1-1 immediately

Risk factors:

• Being older than 60
• Being male (men are more likely to develop an AAA than women)
• Family history of the disease in a parent or sibling
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity

Other diseases that may cause an AAA include:

• Connective tissue disorders such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Turner's syndrome, and polycystic kidney disease
• Defects that are present at birth (congenital) such as bicuspid aortic valve or coarctation of the aorta
• Inflammation of the temporal arteries and other arteries in the head and neck
• Injury
• Infection such as syphilis, salmonella, or staphylococcus (rare)

If you have AAA symptoms, you might be a candidate for Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) 

Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is less invasive than open surgical repair and is appropriate for well over half of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Through a catheter-based system, EVAR utilizes small incisions in the femoral artery to deliver a self-expanding graft into the abdominal aorta. Benefits of the EVAR treatment includes low incidence of complications, a very low morbidity rate, less loss of blood during the procedure, shorter hospital stays and shorter recovery times.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA)

Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) are a localized ballooning of the thoracic aorta defined as at least a 50% increase in size compared to the normal aorta. Enlargement of TAAs is unpredictable, typically with periods of stability followed by periods of expansion. TAAs will eventually enlarge and can rupture. The larger the TAA, the greater chance for rupture. 

Risk Factors

• Advanced age
• Tobacco use
• Hypertension
• Atherosclerosis
• Hyperlipidemia
• Family history
• Connective tissue disorders
• Trauma

Symptoms

Patients with TAAs are often asymptomatic but additional symptoms include:

• Pain in the jaw, neck, upper back, chest or shoulder
• Coughing, hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

If you have TAA symptoms, you might be a candidate for the Thoracic Endovascular Repair (TEVAR)

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) involves inserting a catheter-based device through a small incision in the femoral artery. A stent graft is then deployed in the affected area, making TEVAR a less-invasive approach. In suitable patients, TEVAR can decrease recovery time, blood loss, paraplegia risk, and wound complications.

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