Enlargement of the aorta may carry a risk of rupture or dissection; its size and growth rate should be monitored.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Sudden severe abdominal, back, or chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Low blood pressure
- Cold sweats and weakness
What is it?
Risk is mainly related to diameter, growth rate, location, and the patient’s overall condition. Large and rapidly growing aneurysms may require intervention.
Symptoms
- Often asymptomatic
- Abdominal and back pain
- Chest pain
- A pulsating sensation
- Hoarseness and cough may occur with a thoracic aortic aneurysm
Causes & risk factors
- Age
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Family history of aneurysm
- Atherosclerosis
- Certain genetic syndromes
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is not based on a single test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination, and instrumental findings are assessed together.
- Ultrasound
- CT angiography
- MR angiography
- Assessment of blood pressure and risk factors
- Screening in people with familial risk
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to disease severity, the patient’s overall condition, comorbidities, and procedural risk.
- Observation and periodic imaging
- Blood pressure control
- Smoking cessation
- Endovascular stent grafting in selected cases
- Open surgery in selected cases
How we help
At the center, an aortic aneurysm is assessed by size, location, and risk. Endovascular and surgical options are discussed by the vascular team.
When a procedure may be needed
Intervention may be required when the aneurysm exceeds a certain size, grows rapidly, causes symptoms, or carries an increased risk of rupture.
Patient checklist
- Keep dated CT/ultrasound measurements
- Maintain strict blood pressure control
- Stop smoking
- Treat sudden pain as an emergency
FAQ
Does an aortic aneurysm always require surgery?
No. Small, stable aneurysms may be monitored.
What does a ruptured aneurysm feel like?
It may cause very severe, sudden pain in the chest, back, or abdomen, together with weakness and low blood pressure.
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