An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal, localized dilation of the aorta, the largest artery in the body due to the weakening of the arterial wall. It is defined as an enlargement of the aorta. If left untreated, an aortic aneurysm can expand and eventually rupture.
Clinical Features
1. Asymptomatic (Silent Killer)
Most aortic aneurysms, especially abdominal ones, are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging.
2. Symptomatic (Warning Signs)
- Chest or back pain (sharp, severe, and sudden).
- Hoarseness, cough, or difficulty breathing/swallowing (compression of nearby structures).
- Pulsatile mass above the sternum
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Deep, constant abdominal or back pain.
- Pulsatile abdominal mass (felt during physical examination).
- Groin or leg pain due to reduced blood flow.
3. Signs of Ruptured Aneurysm (Medical Emergency)
- Sudden, severe pain in the chest.
- Hypotension (low blood pressure) and shock.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Rapid heart rate and cold, clammy skin.
Complications of Aortic Aneurysm
- Rupture: Leading to massive internal bleeding, shock, and high mortality.
- Aortic Dissection: Life-threatening condition where the aortic wall layers separate.
- Thromboembolism: Blood clots within the aneurysm can break off and block other arteries.
- Compression of Adjacent Structures: Causing hoarseness, dysphagia, or superior vena cava syndrome.
Treatment
1. Medical Management
Blood Pressure Control: Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, ARBs to reduce aortic wall stress.
- Smoking Cessation: To slow aneurysm growth.
- Lipid-lowering Therapy: Statins for atherosclerosis management.
- Regular Surveillance: Imaging every 6–12 months to monitor aneurysm growth.
2. Surgical or Endovascular Intervention (For Large, Rapidly Growing, or Symptomatic)
- Open Surgical Repair (OSR): Involves replacing the weakened aorta with a synthetic graft.
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR/TEVAR): Minimally invasive procedure using a stent graft placed via catheter through the femoral artery.
Indications for Surgery
- AAA ≥ 5.5 cm in men or ≥ 5.0 cm in women.
- TAA ≥ 5.5–6.0 cm (or ≥ 4.5 cm in Marfan syndrome).
- Rapid aneurysm growth (>0.5 cm/year).
- Symptomatic aneurysms or aneurysms causing complications.
Why Should You Choose Aster Hospitals?
Aster Hospitals stands at the forefront of aortic aneurysm care, offering a comprehensive and patient-centered approach that combines cutting-edge technology with expert multidisciplinary care. Our cardiac surgeon provides the best treatments including high-resolution CT, MRI, and vascular ultrasound, enabling precise diagnosis and monitoring of aortic aneurysms, ensuring early detection of growth or complications. This advanced imaging capability forms the foundation of our personalized treatment plans, tailored to each patient's unique condition and risk factors.
A cardiac surgeon uses advanced diagnostic tools like echocardiography to assess valve damage, determine the severity of the disease, and identify complications such as heart failure or arrhythmias. We provide personalized care, including medications to manage symptoms, prevent further valve damage, and reduce the risk of blood clots. This collaborative approach ensures that patients benefit from a wide range of perspectives and expertise, leading to optimal treatment decisions. Our cardiac surgeon provides regular follow-ups, risk factor management, and ongoing monitoring, creating a continuum of care that extends well beyond the initial treatment phase.
