How are Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Diagnosed?
DiagnosisMany people with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) don’t exhibit any symptoms. The condition is often discovered through routine medical testing.
In order to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm, a health provider will go over your symptoms and your medical history. They may order tests that specifically aid in accurately diagnosing abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Imaging tests used to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm can include:
- Abdominal ultrasound. This is the most common test used to diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysms. Sound waves create a real-time image of the interior of the stomach, where your doctor may be able to see an abnormal bulge or swelling in the aorta.
- CT scan. A CT scan can help determine an abdominal aortic aneurysm's exact size, location, and severity. Contrast dye may be used to achieve more detailed results.
- MRI. Like the CT scan, an MRI can detect and provide detailed information on the abdominal aortic aneurysm.
It is recommended that men aged 65 to 75 with a smoking history have a one-time ultrasound to check for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
How are Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Treated?
TreatmentTreatments for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) have a primary goal: prevent the aneurysm from rupturing. This may involve “wait-and-see” monitoring, lifestyle changes, or surgery, depending on the size of the aneurysm and its fast-growing.
There is no known medication that can shrink an abdominal aortic aneurysm. While aneurysms smaller than 5 centimeters in diameter may not need a procedure immediately, most people will be advised to eventually have surgery to prevent a rupture.
Ongoing monitoring
If the abdominal aortic aneurysm is small, slow-growing, and not causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting. This can require regular checkups and ultrasounds.
Lifestyle changes
Part of ongoing monitoring can require certain lifestyle changes to prevent the aneurysm from worsening. This can include watching your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and quitting smoking.
Surgery
The type of abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery can depend on the location and size of the aneurysm and your age and overall health.
Types of surgical treatment options for an abdominal aortic aneurysm can include:
- Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). A catheter (thin, flexible tube) is guided through an artery in the leg to the aorta. An endovascular stent graft (metal, mesh tube) from the end of the catheter is placed at the aneurysm site. The graft strengthens the weakened section to prevent a rupture. This minimally invasive procedure is recommended for those whose overall health makes open surgery too dangerous.
- Fenestrated and branched endograft. This complex treatment is for abdominal aortic aneurysms that occur very close to or involve important branches including the renal arteries, mesenteric arteries, iliac arteries, and other major branches. A type of stent graft called a “fenestrated endograft,” is implanted during a minimally invasive procedure. The graft is positioned at the site of the aneurysm to reinforce the aortic wall and prevent rupture.
- Open abdominal surgery. This procedure involves removing the damaged section of the aorta and replacing it with a graft. The surgery poses a higher risk for some, and recovery may take a month or more.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
NewYork-Presbyterian provides world-renowned cardiovascular care and solutions for abdominal aortic aneurysms. We house some of the country’s leading cardiologists and heart surgeons, who can assess your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan.
Our vascular surgeons are some of the most experienced in the country at using open surgery and endovascular techniques to treat patients with complex abdominal aneurysms, achieving some of the lowest complication rates.
For expert matters of the heart, reach out to NewYork-Presbyterian for an appointment or consultation.