Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Aneurysms that affect the abdominal aorta (AAA) can be one of the most deadly diseases if not detected and treated early. An aneurysm is essentially an abnormal enlargement of a blood vessel. The aorta is the largest blood vessel in the body extending from the heart down to the belly button. AAAs involve that portion of the aorta between the rib cage and the belly button. Most aneurysms get larger over time. Allowed to get large enough, many of these AAAs will rupture. Ruptured AAAs kill approximately 75% of individuals affected by it. Unfortunately, AAAs tend not to cause symptoms until they rupture, making early detection difficult and necessary. Indeed, most AAAs are found incidentally on ultrasound or CAT scans done for other reasons. It is for that reason that many experts recommend screening in older patients and others at high risk. Although there are many factors associated with aneurysms there is no known actual cause. In some patients AAA may be inherited. In fact brothers, sisters and older children of patients with AAA’s should be screened for an AAA.