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Abdominal aortic aneurysm - Symptom

Alternative Names

Aneurysm - aortic

Symptoms:

Aneurysms develop slowly over many years and often have no symptoms. If an aneurysm expands rapidly, tears open (ruptured aneurysm), or blood leaks along the wall of the vessel (aortic dissection), symptoms may develop suddenly.

The symptoms of rupture include:

Abdominal mass
Abdominal rigidity
Anxiety
Clammy skin
Nausea and vomiting
Pain in the abdomen or back -- severe, sudden, persistent, or constant. The pain may radiate to groin, buttocks, or legs.
Pulsating sensation in the abdomen
Rapid heart rate when rising to a standing position
Shock

Signs and tests:

Your doctor will examine your abdomen. The exam also will include an evaluation of pulses and sensation in your legs.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm may be diagnosed with these tests:

Aortic rupture, chest X-ray

Aortic aneurysm

Reviewed last on: 8/28/2008
Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Isselbacher EM. Diseases of the aorta. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, mann DL, Zipes DP. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 56.

Fleming C, Whitlock EP, Beil TL, Lederle FA. Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm: a best-evidence systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Ann Intern Med. 2005;142:203-211.

Hunt SA, Abraham WT, Chin, MH, Feldman AM, Francis GS, Ganiats TG, et al. ACC/AHA 2005 guideline update for the diagnosis and management of chronic heart failure in the adult. Circulation. 2005;112:1825-1852.

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