An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body. The aorta may experience weakness in its wall, leading to excessive dilation. If the aneurysm is not detected, it can rupture, posing a significant risk to the patient’s life.

Types of Aortic Aneurysm

There are two main types of aortic aneurysms:

1. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): This is the most common type, occurring along the section of the aorta that runs through the abdominal area.
2. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: This occurs along the section of the aorta that passes through the chest cavity.

Causes of Aortic Aneurysm

Scientists have not identified a specific cause for this dilation; however, several factors may increase the likelihood of developing this condition, including:

• Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
• Inflammation of the arteries.
• Genetic disorders, particularly those affecting connective tissues, such as Marfan syndrome.
• Injury to the aorta.
• Infections such as syphilis that result from sexual contact.
• Age 65 or older.
• Smoking.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol levels.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Symptoms of Aortic Aneurysm

In most cases, individuals do not notice any obvious symptoms until the aorta ruptures. When this occurs, symptoms may suddenly appear and may include:

• Dizziness.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Severe and sudden pain in the chest, abdomen, or back.

Detecting an aortic aneurysm before it ruptures can provide a better chance for recovery. As the aneurysm grows, individuals may experience additional symptoms such as:

• Pain or difficulty swallowing.
• Difficulty breathing.
• A feeling of fullness even after a light meal.
• Swelling in the arms, neck, or face.
• Pain that increases in size and may include areas such as the neck, back, chest, or abdomen.

Diagnosis of Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysms are often discovered incidentally during a medical examination or imaging conducted for another reason. Diagnosis typically involves several imaging tests, including:

• Ultrasound imaging.
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the blood vessels.
• Chest X-rays.

Complications of Aortic Aneurysm

Complications of this dilation may include:

• Internal bleeding that is life-threatening if appropriate treatment is not received.
• Rupture of the inner layer of the aorta, known as aortic dissection.

Treatment of Aortic Aneurysm

Treatment for this condition depends on the size of the aortic aneurysm and whether symptoms are present. In the case of a small aneurysm, treatment may involve medications to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Larger aortic aneurysms that are at risk of rupture or dissection may require surgical intervention, such as:

• Open chest surgery: In this procedure, the surgeon removes the affected portion of the aorta and stitches in an artificial tube, called a graft, to repair the artery.
• Endovascular repair: This is a minimally invasive procedure to repair the aortic aneurysm. During this procedure, the surgeon uses a catheter to insert a graft to strengthen and repair the artery.

In conclusion, an aortic aneurysm is an emergency condition that can threaten life if not detected early. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo regular imaging examinations if you have risk factors that increase the likelihood of this condition.