Aneurysm Screening: For Diagnosis and Prevention
In some, but not all cases, an aneurysm can be diagnosed by a physical examination in which the doctor feels the aneurysm as a soft mass in the abdomen (about the level of a belly button) that pulses with each heartbeat. However, the most common test to diagnose an aneurysm is ultrasound, a painless examination in which a device (a transducer) about the size of a computer mouse is passed over the abdomen. Sound waves are computerized to create "pictures" of the aorta and detect the presence of an aneurysm.
Other methods for determining the aneurysms' size are CT scan (computerized tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and arteriogram (real time x-rays). Your physician along with Twin Peaks Medical Imaging can help determine the best screening methodology for your unique situation.
What, why, who...
An aneurysm is an area of a localized widening (dilation) of a blood vessel. An aortic aneurysm involves the aorta, one of the large arteries through which blood passes from the heart to the rest of the body. The aorta bulges at the site of the aneurysm like a weak spot in an old worn tire or like a balloon.
An abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is often called a "silent killer" because there are usually no obvious symptoms of the disease. Three out of four aneurysms show no symptoms at the time they are diagnosed. When symptoms are present, they may include:
- Abdominal pain (that may be constant or come and go)
- Pain in the lower back that may radiate to the buttocks, groin or legs
- The feeling of a "heartbeat" or pulse in the abdomen
Once the aneurysm bursts, symptoms include:
- Severe back or abdominal pain that begins suddenly
- Paleness
- Dry mouth/skin and excessive thirst
- Nausea and vomiting
- Signs of shock, such as shaking, dizziness, fainting, sweating, rapid heartbeat and sudden weakness
Aortic aneurysms are most common after 60 years of age. Males are five times more likely than females to be affected. Approximately 5% of men over age 60 develop an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Those with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysms are at a higher risk (particularly if the relative with abdominal aortic aneurysm was female). Smokers die four times more often from ruptured aneurysms than nonsmokers.