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Uncovering Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Silent Threat

Learn about the risks, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAAs) which can be a silent killer. Understand who is at risk and what steps to take for early detection and management.

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Uncovering Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms: A Silent Threat

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  1. Ross Milner, MD University of Chicago Mark Russo, MD, MS Center for Aortic Diseases

  2. THE SITUATION • Over 15,000 people in the U.S. died last year from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). • AAAs are the tenth leading cause of death in men over 50. • An estimated 1 million men and women worldwide are living with undiagnosed AAAs. Could your patient have an undiagnosed AAA?

  3. AAA ESSENTIALS Definition • Diameter of the aorta 1.5 times greater than normal. • Most are infrarenal, and a significant number extend down into one or both iliac arteries.

  4. AAA ESSENTIALS Scope of the Challenge • Approximately 200,000 are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. • 15,000 Americans died of this condition in 2007. • 75% produce no symptoms. • 75% are detected incidentally – usually during imaging scans. • Mortality rate: When AAAs rupture, only 18% of patients survive.

  5. WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Primary Risk Factors • Men over 60 • Men are four times more likely to develop AAAs, but 20% do occur in women. • Smokers • Current smokers are seven times more likely to develop AAA than non-smokers. • Former smokers are three times more likely. • Family History • 20% of AAA patients have a relative with the condition.

  6. WHO IS MOST AT RISK? Secondary risk factors: • Obesity • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Atherosclerosis • Cardiovascular disease

  7. SYMPTOMS Although there are frequently no symptoms, AAA symptoms may include: • Pain or tenderness in the lower back, abdomen or side • Throbbing in the abdomen • Indications of rupture may include: • Lightheadedness • Sweating • Clammy skin • Nausea

  8. DIAGNOSIS • Physical examination of abdomen • Abdominal tenderness may indicate an AAA • Bruit over the aorta • Palpable mass • Not effective in obese patients and/or those with an AAA under 2 cm in diameter • Usual: abdominal ultrasound >80% accurate • As required: MRI, CT or other imaging systems • Angiography rarely indicates

  9. TREATMENT OPTIONS • AAAs under 5 cm in diameter: usually monitored with serial ultrasound examinations • AAAs 5 cm and larger: usually repaired with open surgery or endovascular repair No proven lifestyle changes can decrease the size of AAAs.

  10. REPAIR OPTIONS • Both endovascular and open surgeries are used to repair AAAs. • Approximately 40,000 repairs are performed each year in the U.S.

  11. REPAIR OPTIONS Endovascular Surgery • Requires two small incisions in the groin area. • An endovascular graft is inserted through the femoral artery via a catheter and deployed inside the lumen, relining the aorta. Average hospital stay: 2-3 days Average recovery time: 1-2 weeks

  12. REPAIR OPTIONS Open Surgery • Requires large abdominal or flank incision • Retroperitoneal dissection and exclusion of the aneurysm by clamping the aorta • Removal of the affected aorta and replacement with surgical graft Average hospital stay: 1 week Average recovery time: 1-3 months

  13. WHAT YOU CAN DO Be aware AAAs are most often silent killers and are increasing in number. • Remember those most at risk: • Men over 60 • Smokers • Those with a family history of AAA • Screen as early as possible and refer to a specialist, as appropriate.

  14. University of Chicago Center for Aortic Diseases University of Chicago Medical Center 5841 S. Maryland Avenue Chicago, IL 60637 773-702-2500 ucaorta@surgery.bsd.uchicago.edu This presentation was brought to you by Cook Medical.

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