Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (cont.)
In this Article
What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Most abdominal aortic aneurysms produce no symptoms (they are asymptomatic). They are often incidentally discovered when abdominal
ultrasounds and/or
CT scan studies are ordered for other conditions. When they produce symptoms, the most common symptom is pain. The pain typically has a deep quality as if it is boring into the person. It is felt most prominently in the middle of the abdomen and can radiate to the back. The pain is usually steady but may be relieved by changing position. The person may also become aware of an abnormally prominent abdominal pulsation.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm can remain asymptomatic or produce mild to moderate symptoms for years. However, a rapidly expanding abdominal aneurysm can cause sudden onset of severe, steady, and worsening middle abdominal and back pain . A rapidly expanding aneurysm is also at imminent risk of rupture. Actual rupture of an abdominal aneurysm can cause sudden onset of back and abdominal pain, sometimes associated with abdominal distension, a pulsating abdominal mass, and even shock (severe low blood pressure due to massive blood loss).
How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm diagnosed clinically?
Careful palpation or feeling of the abdomen by a healthcare practitioner may reveal the abnormally wide pulsation of the abdominal aorta. This is characteristically felt on both sides of the aorta which is in the midline of the abdomen. Note that even large aneurysms can be very difficult to detect on physical examination in overweight people. Aneurysms on the verge of rupture and that are rapidly enlarging, are often tender. Listening with a stethoscope may also reveal a bruit or abnormal sound from turbulence of blood within the aneurysm.
Next: What tests help in the diagnosis of an abdominal
aortic aneurysm? »
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