Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
What is the aorta?
The aorta is the largest artery in the body and carries
oxygenated blood from the heart to the other parts of the body via
its branches in the chest and abdomen.
In the abdomen, the abdominal aorta divides into two arteries
(iliac) that supplies blood to the legs (resembling “a pair of
trousers “ ). Normally the abdominal aorta ranges from 1.1 to 2.5
cm in diameter.
What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is
the dilatation or ballooning of the aorta and commonly occurs in
the abdominal region. Most aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms and
are discovered by chance. The walls of the aorta become stretched
and weakened giving an appearance of a bulge in a tube.
Most aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms and are discovered by
chance while undergoing other tests. The basic method of examining
the abdominal aorta is by ultrasound scan. The ultrasound scan is
totally safe and has no risks. It does not use ionising radiations
and is non invasive. It involves use of jelly on the abdomen and an
ultrasound probe.
What is aneurismal rupture?
An aneurysmal rupture is tearing or bursting
of the aorta causing internal bleeding. The risk for aneurysmal
rupture increases as the aortic walls get weaker and thinner. Even
if the aneurysm does not rupture, sometimes a blood clot can form
inside the abdominal aorta at the site of aneurysm causing
thrombosis. This may interfere with the blood supply to the
legs.
Target population – who gets an aortic aneurysm?
Although aortic aneurysms can occur in both
males and females, studies have shown that aortic aneurysms do
occur most commonly in males aged between 60-65 years.
Aortic aneurysms are also known to develop in
individuals who have close relatives with a history of
aneurysms.
Possible causes of aortic aneurysm
Studies have shown that individuals with the
following history have increased risk of developing aortic
aneurysms:
- Smoking.
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels.
- Over weight.
- Family history of aortic aneurysm.
What does the screening involve?
- A simple ultrasound scan of the abdominal aorta lasting 10
minutes performed by a qualified Sonographer at Pinehill
Hospital
- You will be informed of the results at the end of the scan. If
an aortic aneurysm is identified, a copy off the results will be
sent to your GP . In addition, a copy will be sent to one of our
vascular surgeons, if your aneurysm is over 4.0cms. This may be
urgent.
- Small aneurysms will just need follow-up by ultrasound scans
half yearly to monitor the size of the aortic aneurysm.
- If you are 65 or older and have no aneurysm seen during the
scan, you will need no more screening scans. However, if you are
60-64 and have no aneurysm. You will be advised to have another
scan at 65 years of age.