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http://www.aalf.org/wiki/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=TimmsSteck112 TimmsSteck112 - Revision history 2026-11-02T18:45:26Z Revision history for this page on the wiki MediaWiki 1.13.3 http://www.aalf.org/wiki/index.php?title=TimmsSteck112&diff=44302&oldid=prev TimmsSteck112: New page: <h1> Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm</h1> <p>An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a dilation (ballooning) of part of the aorta that is located in the abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm mostly ... 2012-04-05T16:47:41Z <p>New page: &lt;h1&gt; Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm&lt;/h1&gt; &lt;p&gt;An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a dilation (ballooning) of part of the aorta that is located in the abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm mostly ...</p> <p><b>New page</b></p><div>&lt;h1&gt; Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm&lt;/h1&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a dilation (ballooning) of part of the aorta that is located in the abdomen. An abdominal aortic aneurysm mostly leads to no signs of illness until it ruptures (bursts). A ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is often fatal. An [http://abdominalaneurysm.posterous.com/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm aneurisma abdominal] much less than 50 mm broad holds a low chance of rupture. A surgery to fix the aneurysm will be suggested if it is greater than 50 mm, as earlier mentioned this size the danger of rupture grows. Individuals 65 years old and more are to be proposed a routine scan to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;What is the aorta?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;The aorta is the most significant artery (blood vessel) in the human body. It carries blood from the heart and descends through the chest and the abdomen. Many arteries come off the aorta to supply blood to all parts of the body. At about the level of the pelvis the aorta divides into two arteries, one going to each leg.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2 &gt;What is an aneurysm and an abdominal aortic aneurysm?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;An aneurysm is where a part of an artery widens (balloons out). The wall of an aneurysm is weaker than a natural artery wall. The pressure of the blood inside the artery can cause the weaker section of wall to balloon.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;div style=&quot;text-align:center&gt;&lt;img style=&quot;width:294px;height:270px;float:left;&quot; src=&quot;http://www.abdominalaneurysm.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/AAA.gif&quot; alt=&quot;Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm&quot;/&gt; &lt;img style=&quot;width:310px;height:263px;&quot; src=&quot;http://www.abdominalaneurysm.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm.gif&quot; alt=&quot;Diagram showing the main arteries of the body and details of an aortic aneurysm&quot;/&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Aneurysms might happen in any existing artery, but they most typically take place in the aorta. Most aortic aneurysms arise in the segment of the aorta that moves through the abdomen. These are identified as abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). In some cases they occur in the area heading through the chest. These are known as thoracic aortic aneurysms.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The standard diameter of the aorta in the abdomen is related to 20 mm. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is said to be present if a section of the aorta within the abdomen is 30 mm or more in diameter.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The rest of this booklet is mainly about AAAs.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;AAAs differ in measurement. As a rule, once you strengthen an AAA, it has a tendency progressively to obtain greater. The rate at which it becomes larger differs from person to person. However, on average, an AAA tends to get larger by around 10% every year.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;What leads to an abdominal aortic aneurysm?&lt;/h2&gt;<br /> &lt;h3&gt;In most cases&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;The actual cause why an aneurysm figures in the aorta in most cases is not clear. Most instances take place in older people. An AAA is rare in people less than the age of 60. So, growing old has a main factor to play.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The wall of the aorta usually has levels of sleek muscle, and layers built from tissues called elastin and collagen. Elastin and collagen are powerful assisting tissues. What seems to happen is that a part of the aorta loses its usual strength and flexibility in some people as they get older. Medical studies suggests that this is due to changes in the elastin, collagen and smooth muscle tissues. There seem to be complicated biochemical procedures that lead to these transformations. Some people are more prone than others to these changes.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Your hereditary make-up performs a part, as you have a considerably higher chance of raising an AAA if one of your parents has, or had, one.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Atheroma may also play a part. Atheroma is a fatty material that stores within the inside of lining of arteries. Atheroma is from time to time called furring of the arteries. Most AAAs are layered with some atheroma. Any individual can develop atheroma, but it develops more generally with raising age. Several risk variables also enhance the chance of atheroma developing. They include: tobacco use, high blood pressure, diabetes, raised cholesterol level, taking little exercise, and obesity. These are the same risk factors that enhance the probability of atheroma forming in the heart (coronary) arteries, which can cause angina and heart attacks.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> &lt;h3&gt;In a minority of cases&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;p&gt;Rare causes of AAAs have injury or infection of the aorta. In addition, certain unusual inherited factors can affect the artery structure. In these uncommon situations an aneurysm may develop at a quite young age.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;How typical are abdominal aortic aneurysms?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;About 6 in 100 men and about 2 in 100 women over the age of 65 have an AAA. It will become more regular with increasing age. Though, most people with an AAA are not knowledgeable that they have one. An AAA is rare in people less than the age of 60.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;What is the concern about an abdominal aortic aneurysm?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;The main concern is that the aneurysm could rupture (burst). The wall of the aneurysm is less strong than a natural artery wall and may not be able to stand up to the pressure of blood internally. If it ruptures then severe internal bleeding occurs which is often fatal. Of course, most AAAs do not rupture - only a certain proportion (see below).&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;What are the symptoms and signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;Often there are no warnings. At the time of identification, 7 in 10 people with an AAA will not have had any symptoms due to the aneurysm. The ballooning of the aneurysm does not lead to any symptoms unless it becomes large sufficient to put pressure on nearby structures. If signs do appear, they are most likely to be mild abdominal or back painful sensations. There are many factors of mild abdominal and back pain. Therefore, the identification could be delayed until the aneurysm is big enough to be sensed by a doctor when he or she examines your abdomen.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Occasionally small blood clots form on the inside lining of an AAA. These may break off and be transported down the aorta and obstruct a smaller artery further on. These blood clots are called emboli and can be dangerous. For example, full blockage of an artery that provides a foot may prospect to reduction of blood to part of the foot, which can result in pain in the foot and gangrene if left without treatment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;If the aneurysm does rupture then you are likely to have sudden severe abdominal and/or back pain. This is normally soon followed by failure as the internal bleeding causes a sharp drop in blood pressure.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Occasionally a medical professionsal senses the bulge of an aneurysm throughout a program exam of the abdomen. However, many AAAs are too small to feel.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;An X-ray of the abdomen (often performed for different reasons) will indicate calcium deposits lining the wall of an AAA in several, but not almost all, cases.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;An ultrasound check is the easiest way to detect an AAA. This is a painless test. It is the similar option of capture that expecting a baby women have to look at the baby in the womb. The size of the aneurysm can also be measured by ultrasound. As discussed later, it is important to know the size.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;A more detailed scan, such as a CT scan, is sometimes done. This may be performed if your personal medical expert needs to know whether the aneurysm is affecting any of the arteries that come off the aorta. For example, if the aneurysm involves the section of the aorta where the arteries to the kidneys branch off, doctors need to recognize this info if they plan to operate.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;What is the probability of an abdominal aortic aneurysm rupturing?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;The opportunity of rupture is decreased if an AAA is minimal. As a rule, the risk of rupture improves with raising dimensions. This is much like a balloon - the larger you blow it up, the greater the tension, and the larger the probability it will burst open. The size of an AAA can be measured by an ultrasound check. The following gives general danger figures for the size (diameter) of the aneurysm:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;40 mm-55 mm: about a 1 in 100 chance of rupture per year.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;55 mm-60 mm: about a 10 in 100 chance of rupture per year.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;60 mm-69 mm: about a 15 in 100 chance of rupture per year.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;70 mm-79 mm: about a 35 in 100 chance of rupture per year.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;80 mm or more: about a 50 in 100 chance of rupture per year.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;As a rule, for any given size, the risk of rupture is increased in smokers, females, those with high blood pressure, and those with a family history of an AAA.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;Should really every person with an abdominal aortic aneurysm have surgery?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;The short answer is no. Surgical restoration of an AAA is a major treatment and carries dangers. A small quantity of people will die while in, or right after, the operation. If you have a small AAA, the threat of death generated by surgical procedure is greater than the threat of rupture. As a result, surgical procedure is usually not suggested if you have an AAA less than 50 mm wide. Even so, regular ultrasound verification will commonly be recommended to see if it gets larger over time.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Surgical procedures is normally proposed if you develop an AAA larger than 50 mm. For these larger aneurysms the possibility of rupture is usually higher than the risk of surgical treatment. Even so, if your common state of health is weak, or if you have specific other medical problems, this could improve the danger if you have surgical treatment. Therefore, in several scenarios the final decision to operate may be a problematic one.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Urgent surgical procedures is necessary if an AAA ruptures. On average, about 8 in 10 people who have a ruptured aortic aneurysm will die due to the rapid critical bleeding. Even so, urgent surgery is lifesaving in some cases.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;What procedures are executed?&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;There are a pair of types of operative operation to restore an AAA.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The traditional surgery is to cut out the bad part of aorta and change it using an man made piece of artery (a graft). This is a major operations and, as pointed out, carries certain threat. Some people die while in this operation. On the other hand, it is successful in a lot of cases and the aneurysm is totally repaired. The long-term outlook is good. The graft commonly works well for the rest of your life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A newer method lets the aorta to be restored by a technique termed endovascular repair. This has become a popular choice in the latest years. In this procedure a tube is passed up from inside one of the leg arteries into the area of the aneurysm. This tube is then passed throughout the increased aneurysm and fixed to the good aorta wall using metal clips. The benefit to this specific style of restoration is that there is no abdominal surgical procedure. This method is therefore safer than the traditional surgery, and you require to spend less time in clinic. A negative aspect is that some patients have to undergo a further operation at a later stage to improve the initial procedure.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Operative techniques continue to develop and improve. Your surgeon will recommend about the benefits and negative aspects of surgery treatment, the various types of surgery, and the best option for you.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;Other treatments could be necessary&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;If you have an AAA, you are likely to have a substantial amount of atheroma that lines the artery. For that reason, you are at risk of having substantial atheroma formation in other arteries, such as the coronary (heart) arteries and brain arteries. Therefore, you are likely to be at higher risk of developing heart disease (angina, heart attack, etc) and stroke.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In fact, most people who develop an aortic AAA do not die of the aneurysm but die from some other vascular disorders, such as a heart strike or stroke.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Therefore, you should consider doing what you can to reduce the danger of these disorders by other suggests. For example:&lt;/p&gt;&lt;ul&gt;&lt;li&gt;Eat a healthy diet which comes with keeping a low salt intake.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If you are able, exercise often.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Lose excess weight if you are over weight.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;Do not smoke.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a high cholesterol level, they should be well controlled on treatment.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;li&gt;You may be prescribed a statin drug to lower your cholesterol level and low-dose aspirin to help prevent blood clots from forming.&lt;/li&gt;&lt;/ul&gt;&lt;p&gt;See separate booklet called &lt;i&gt;'Preventing Cardiovascular Diseases'&lt;/i&gt; for more details.&lt;/p&gt;<br /> <br /> &lt;h2&gt;Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm&lt;/h2&gt;&lt;p&gt;Research studies suggest that a routine ultrasound check is worthwhile for all men aged 65. This is simply because most people with an AAA do not have symptoms. Following a program scan, surgery treatment can be presented to men found to have an aneurysm over 50 mm wide. Follow-up scans can be offered to monitor those with smaller aneurysms.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In early 2008, the authorities released that over the subsequent five years ultrasound screening would be rolled out to enable all men in England aged 65 and over to be screened. Screening is likely to begin in Scotland in 2011. Wales and Northern Ireland have yet to announce their plans. Screening for AAA is offered only to men, as the condition is much more typical in men than in women. One research released in 2009 predicted that if all men in their 60s and 70s were screened in England then this could save nearly 2,000 lives a year. However, there are some people who have worries about screening for AAA; for example, see the paper by Johnson cited under 'References', below.&lt;/p&gt;</div> TimmsSteck112