|
|
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Alternate Names : Aneurysm - Aortic
Definition Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal ballooning of the abdominal portion of the aorta, which is the major artery from the heart.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Abdominal aortic aneurysm involves a dilation, stretching, or ballooning of the aorta. The exact cause is unknown, but risk factors include atherosclerosis and hypertension. Abdominal aortic aneurysm may be caused by infection, congenital weakening of the connective tissue component of the artery wall, or trauma. (An aneurysm caused by trauma is rare.)
Abdominal aortic aneurysm can affect anyone, but it is most often seen in men aged 40 to 70. A common complication is rupture. This is a medical emergency where the aneurysm breaks open, resulting in profuse bleeding. Rupture occurs more frequently in patients with larger aneurysms. Aortic dissection occurs when the lining of the artery tears and blood leaks into the wall of the artery.
In children, abdominal aortic aneurysm can result from blunt abdominal injury or from Marfan's syndrome.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Falls Are Top Cause of Injury, Death Among Elderly - Jul 19, 2008, 09:00
Not all homes are the same, but common sense measures can reduce the risk, expert says. | • | Heart Blood Vessels Grown in the Lab - Jul 18, 2008, 19:00
Could offer a future alternative to bypass surgery, researchers say. | • | Clinical Trials Update: July 18, 2008 - Jul 18, 2008, 09:24
- Breast Cancer
- Hot Flashes
- Emphysema
| • | Loud Music in Bars Hastens Drinking - Jul 18, 2008, 16:00
French researchers say blasting tunes makes patrons down more alcohol in less time. | • | Breast-Fed Babies Have Fewer GI Infections - Jul 18, 2008, 17:00
But they're more likely to be iron-deficient, study finds. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms & Signs
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Prevention
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosis & Tests
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatment
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Prognosis
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Aneurysm
• Aortic Dissection
• Arterial Embolism
• Atherosclerosis
• Heart Attack
• Hypertension
• Hypovolemic Shock
• Marfan Syndrome
• Stroke
Tests & Exams
• Abdominal CT Scan
• Abdominal Film
• Abdominal MRI
• Abdominal Ultrasound
• Aortic Angiography
• Blood Pressure
• CBC
Other Topics
• Abdominal Mass
• Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Rigidity
• Auscultation
• Back Pain - Low
• Bleeding
• Dry Skin
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Heartbeat Sensations
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Pain Medications
• Paleness
• Physical Examination
• Pulse - Bounding
• Shock
• Skin - Clammy
• Stress and Anxiety
• Sweating - Excessive
• Symptomatic
• Thirst - Excessive
Review Date : 12/29/2002
Reviewed By : Hebe Molmenti, M.D., Ph.D., Private Practice specializing in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
