Abdominal aortic aneurysm natural history
|
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Microchapters |
|
Differentiating Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm from other Diseases |
|---|
|
Diagnosis |
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Abdominal aortic aneurysm natural history On the Web |
|
Directions to Hospitals Treating Abdominal aortic aneurysm natural history |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Abdominal aortic aneurysm natural history |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
An aortic aneurysm can progress to a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a medical emergency associated with an extremely high mortality. Serious complications can also occur as a result of an aortic dissection, such as myocardial infarction, shock, stroke, kidney failure, and arterial emboli.
Natural History
Abdominal aortic aneurysms expand slowly over time. It is for this reason ultrasound surveillance is recommended. If the rate of expansion exceeds 1 cm per year, this is an indication for surgery.
Complications
When an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, it is a true medical emergency. Aortic dissection occurs when the innermost lining of the artery tears and blood leaks into the wall of the artery. This most commonly occurs in the aorta within the chest. Complications include:
Prognosis
Elective Surgery in the Absence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture
The outcome is usually good if an experienced surgeon repairs the aneurysm before it ruptures.
Emergency Surgery in the Setting of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture
Rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm is associated with a 60% to 90% mortality before the patient reaches hospital. It is associated with a 30% to 80% operative mortality among those patients who survive long enough to undergo surgery.