Abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, is a bulge in the lower part of the aorta. If an AAA bursts, it can cause life-threatening bleeding. If you have an AAA, or are at risk of one, Rush providers can help.
The aorta is the largest artery in the body. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is usually found below the kidneys and behind the navel, and is often caused by a buildup of plaque in your arteries.
An AAA is a type of aortic aneurysm. A thoracic aortic aneurysm occurs in the chest.
Many abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms and are found during a test or procedure for another condition. A one-time ultrasound screening for AAA is recommended for some people. Men and women between ages 65 and 75 who have ever smoked or have a first-degree relative with AAA are at high risk. Smoking is a big risk factor.
Who Is at Risk for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?
Several factors can raise your risk of an AAA:
- Smoking: If you smoke, you are more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Tobacco use can weaken the walls of blood vessels, making them more likely to burst.
- Age: Most AAAs occur in people 65 and older.
- Sex: Men are more likely to have an AAA than women.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the walls of the aorta, increasing the risk of an AAA.
- Family history: You are at a higher risk of an abdominal aortic aneurysm if your parent, child or sibling has had one.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms
Many abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms. These are possible signs of an abdominal aneurysm:
- Sudden, severe pain in your back or belly could indicate an AAA is about to burst. Most patients say they have never felt this type of pain before.
- You may feel a pulsing sensation near your navel.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms at Rush
Rush offers advanced treatments for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Chicago and the surrounding area. A team of providers in different specialties will work together to create the best treatment plan for you. Your providers will recommend an open surgery or minimal endovascular therapy, a minimally invasive procedure, depending on your age, medical comorbidities and anatomy.
Providers use imaging tests for AAA diagnosis. These tests include:
- Abdominal ultrasound: This test uses sound waves and is used to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms and for follow-up care.
- CT Angiogram scan: This test provides a more detailed and accurate description of the anatomy and size of the aneurysm than an ultrasound. It can also be used for follow-up.
- Non-surgical treatment involves quitting smoking, and control of medical comorbidities like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Surgical treatment
If you have a large or fast-growing abdominal aortic aneurysm, you may need surgery to fix it. There are two types of procedures for AAA repair:
- Endovascular aneurysm repair, or EVAR, is a minimally invasive procedure. Your surgeon will insert a stent graft, a stent with mesh, inside the aneurysm to divert blood flow from the weak wall to avoid rupture. This procedure is done by accessing both femoral arteries in the groin.
- Not all patients are candidates for EVAR. Depending on the size, anatomy, medical comorbidities, age and location of the aneurysm, you may need open surgery. Your surgeon will make an incision in the abdomen and replace the aortic aneurysm with a graft.
Choosing Rush for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
- Advanced imaging: Rush radiologists use the latest imaging technology to create high-quality pictures of your arteries. Specialists in vascular surgery, radiology and cardiovascular care will collaborate to create a personalized care plan.
- Among the best in the U.S.: U.S. News & World Report ranks Rush University Medical Center among the top hospitals in the country for heart and vascular care. Many Rush providers have special expertise in treating aortic aneurysms.
- Record of innovation: Rush has provided vascular disease care in the Chicago area for more than 40 years. Our board-certified vascular and endovascular surgeons have decades of experience and are helping develop new treatments for cardiovascular disease. Rush University Medical Center was the first hospital in the Midwest to use a FDA-approved stent graft designed to reduce the risk of stroke during thoracic aortic aneurysm repair.
- Fast access to care: Rush vascular surgery providers offer convenient access to care in Chicago, Oak Park, Aurora and Munster. Easy, online scheduling is available.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Doctors at Rush University Medical Center work in a hybrid operating room that accommodates minimally invasive and open surgeries. The state-of-the-art site helps streamline your care and could cut down on the time you spend in the hospital.
FAQs
Many abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms. Sometimes, an abdominal aortic aneurysm may cause pain in your back, belly or groin. You may also feel a pulsing or throbbing sensation in your belly.
Sudden and severe pain could indicate an aneurysm is about to rupture.
Doctors use imaging tests to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm. These tests include ultrasounds, CT scans and CT angiograms. Sometimes, an aneurysm is found during an imaging test for a different condition.
Men may need surgery if an abdominal aortic aneurysm is wider than 5.5 centimeters. Women may need surgery if an abdominal aortic aneurysm is wider than 5 centimeters. Your provider may also recommend surgery if an aneurysm is causing symptoms or is growing fast.
Yes. A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm can quickly cause life-threatening bleeding.
Endovascular aneurysm repair, or EVAR, usually has a shorter recovery time than open surgery. This procedure is done through a small incision in your groin. Open surgery is done through a large incision in your abdomen.
Many abdominal aortic aneurysms cause no symptoms. This is why early screening to find AAAs before they rupture is important. Sudden, intense pain in your belly or back could mean an aneurysm is about to rupture.
The best treatment for you will depend on how large your aneurysm is. Your providers will consider your age, overall health and other factors. Rush providers will create a treatment plan personalized for you.
If your aneurysm is small, your doctor may recommend monitoring over surgery. An abdominal aortic aneurysm will not go away without surgery.
