Question 1

what is an aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Large aorta: An aortic aneurysm is an aorta which is larger than it should be.  This is typically due weakness of the walls of the aorta.  This weakness can be secondary to degenerative change, congenital (born with it) abnormalities of the wall of the aorta, or trauma.

Question 2

is aortic aneurysm inherited?

Accepted Answer

Depends: An aortic aneurysm can be the result of inherited conditions like marfan's syndrome. Conversley, aortic aneurysms may appear 'de novo' in those without a family history and only clinical risk factors such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Since the relationship between genetics and environment is complex, if there is a family history one should always be extra vigilant and monitor.

Question 3

will aortic aneurysm disappear?

Accepted Answer

No: It will only get larger and eventually rupture or causes material inside the aneurysm to go into the leg arteries potentially causing need for amputation.  Have the aneurysm followed carefully, correct all risk facks - stop smoking, control high blood pressure; have brothers & sisters checked; check carotid arteries ( stenosis associated with aneurysm ).

Question 4

what is an acute aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Dilated aorta: An aortic aneurysm is an aorta which is larger than it is supposed to be. "acute" refers to the sudden onset of symptoms.  The aneurysm can cause pain by suddenly enlarging, encroaching on surrounding parts of the chest or abdomen, or rupturing.

Question 5

what are causes of an aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Several things: About 5% of men over the age of 65 have abdominal aortic aneurysms. Risk factors include: increasing age, male sex, family history of aneurysm (may increase your risk 4-fold), hypertension, and history of smoking. Dissecting aneurysms can be caused by localized damage to to the artery from hypertension or trauma (deceleration or sheering-type injury) or catheter injury from an angiogram.

Question 6

what is an infrarenal aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Below the kidneys: An infrarenal aortic aneurysm is a dilation of the aorta below the renal (kidney) arteries.  This section of the aorta is located in the abdomen.

Question 7

is aortic aneurysm a common condition?

Accepted Answer

No but its not rare: Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more common than thoracic . An aneurysm is defined as an enlargement of the aorta 1.5 x the normal diameter. The incidence is around 37 per 100, 000 patient yrs. There is a 3% prevalence in those over 50 yrs old. Male to female ratio of 9 to 1. Risk factors hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, family history and age.

Question 8

what are the tests for aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound: A high quality abdominal ultrasound is the best test to exclude an abdominal aortic aneurysm.  Don't delay and get checked out today!  good luck!

Question 9

what sort of problem is an aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Dilation: It is a swelling or dilation of a vessel due to  weakness in the wall of the vessel (aorta). The concern is the risk for rupture, which can cause severe pain and massive bleeding.

Question 10

when are aortic aneurysm repairs performed?

Accepted Answer

Based on size: The risk of rupture of an aortic aneurysm increases with its size (diameter).  When the size reaches a certain threshold, the risk of rupture becomes substantial.  At this point, a repair is justified either with surgery or a percutaneous stent graft.

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Aortic aneurysm

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What is an aortic aneurysm?

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Is aortic aneurysm inherited?

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What is an acute aortic aneurysm?

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What are causes of an aortic aneurysm?

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What is an infrarenal aortic aneurysm?

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What are the tests for aortic aneurysm?

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What sort of problem is an aortic aneurysm?

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When are aortic aneurysm repairs performed?

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