Question 1

generally speaking, is a fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm considered to be a potentially serious problem? if so, in what way? can it cause severe pain even if it doesn't "burst"?

Accepted Answer

AAA: ansolutely it can potentially be a life threatening disease. It can cause severe abdominal or back pain even if it doesn't rupture

Question 2

what is an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Ballooning Artery: An infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm is the dilitation or ballooning of the abdominal aorta below the branches that provide blood to the kidneys. It is believed that the wall of the artery weakens over time from inflammation. This weakening causes the artery to swell. When > 5cm in diameter the risk of rupture and bleeding goes up dramatically. This is life threatening and is typically repaired.

Question 3

what does a tortuous abdominal aortic aneurysm mean?

Accepted Answer

With twists/bends: The term "tortuous" simply means: full of twists, turns and bends. In medicine we use this to describe the pathway of veins or arteries. When either veins or arteries "grow" to become varicose veins or aneurysms, not only do they grow in diameter, but also in length. As they grow longer, they start bending and twisting to accommodate and "fit" into the same body.

Question 4

can you diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysm with a stethoscope?

Accepted Answer

Not typically: Abdominal aortic aneurysms, when large enough, can sometimes be felt by pressing on the abdomen. This feels like a very prominent pulse in the abdomen, which cannot be typically felt in most people (unless you're really thin). Sometimes an aortic aneurysm may produce a sound that can be picked up by a stethoscope, but this is unlikely and not typical at all. Consult a vascular surgeon.

Question 5

what are the odds really of a 16 yearold getting abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Accepted Answer

Pretty low: Unless he/she has a congenital malformation or predisposition for aneurysm formation.  Abdominal aortic aneurysms, in general, is caused by atherosclerois and hypertension, both rare conditions at this age.

Question 6

how long can symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

Accepted Answer

Uncertain: Typically patient should have abdominal or back pain for months to years however one can be completely asymtomatic and have sudden pain in abdomen and back due to rupture.

Question 7

how long will symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

Accepted Answer

Varies -  get fixed!: Symptoms can include back pain, abdominal pain from the streching and pressure inside the aneurysm to surrounding tissues, "blue toe" syndrome ( pregangrene & gangrene )  from material inside the aneurysn "breaking off" & going downstream with blockage of lower leg/foot arteries. A 10 CM aneurysm should not be taken lightly & should be repaired soon. If ruptured, death rate is around 90%.

Question 8

can a person have pain with an abdominal aortic aneurysm before it actually ruptures?

Accepted Answer

Possible: There is a condition called a "contained rupture", which means the walls of the aorta have been violated however the leak is contained. This is certainly painful but is not a full blown rupture. Urgent repair is indicated. A ct angiogram helps to identify this.

Question 9

is it a bad idea for someone with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (aaa) to lift weights?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Extreme high blood pressure can induce rupture but of course also depending on the size , type/shape of the aneurysm . So small AAA less than 4 cm rarely rupture less than 1% . Ask you medical doctor and avoid very heavy excercise if your aneurysm is big.

Question 10

abdominal aortic aneurysm risks; is there a website for that?

Accepted Answer

A number of them: Go to medlineplus http://www.Nlm.Nih.Gov/medlineplus/aorticaneurysm.Html 
for links to sites about abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Fusiform infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm

A member asked:

Generally speaking, is a fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm considered to be a potentially serious problem? if so, in what way? can it cause severe pain even if it doesn't "burst"?

A member asked:

What is an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm?

A member asked:

What does a tortuous abdominal aortic aneurysm mean?

A member asked:

Can you diagnose abdominal aortic aneurysm with a stethoscope?

A member asked:

What are the odds really of a 16 yearold getting abdominal aortic aneurysm?

A member asked:

How long can symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

A member asked:

How long will symptoms be present before a 10cm abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?

A member asked:

Can a person have pain with an abdominal aortic aneurysm before it actually ruptures?

A member asked:

Is it a bad idea for someone with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (aaa) to lift weights?

A member asked:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm risks; is there a website for that?

Sponsored Content

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?