How the Symptoms help in the Diagnosis of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An aortic aneurysm is nothing but the abnormal enlargement of the aorta. Aorta is the largest blood vessel in your body that supplies blood to the different parts of your body. The bulging of this aorta generally leads to aneurysm. An aneurysm occurs when a segment of your vessels becomes weakened and expands abnormally.
The pressure of the blood flowing through the vessels generally creates a bulge at the weaker spot of the aorta. The bulge gradually increases in size and can increase the risk of complications if gets ruptured.
Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms
The aortic aneurysms do not cause any symptoms in the initial stages. Symptoms will become visible only when an aneurysm grows in size or rupture. An aortic aneurysm is found coincidentally in few cases when the patient is undergoing a diagnostic medical test for diagnosis of other diseases.
The common symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm include the following:
- Deep pain in your back
- A pulsating feeling near your navel
- Severe chest pain is one of the initial symptoms reported during an aortic aneurysm. A tearing or ripping pain in the chest is also observed.
- An unusual sensation or feeling in the upper part of your chest or back
- Steady, gnawing pain in the abdomen that will last for hours or days depending on the size
- Increased sweating
- Fast heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Shock
When the bulge is formed in your aorta, blood clots are most likely to occur. These clots can restrict the blood flow to any specific part of your body. The symptoms also depend on the specific part of your body that is deprived of blood due to the formation of clots.
The following symptoms are observed due to the formation of blood clots that occur during an aortic aneurysm:
- Numbness and weakness is generally observed in the initial stages
- Tingling sensation in arms or leg
- Loss of sensation
- Light-headedness
- Localized pain
- Stroke in severe cases
Aortic Aneurysm Diagnosis
The common diagnostic procedures used for diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm include:
- Ultrasound and Echocardiography
Ultrasound and echocardiography are the simplest and painless tests used to diagnose an aortic aneurysm. These tests make use of sound waves to create visual images of the structure inside your body. These tests help in determining the size of an aortic aneurysm if it is found,
- Computed Tomography Scan
Computed tomography scan commonly called a CT scan is a painless test that makes use of x-rays to clear detailed pictures of the organs. The dye injected during this diagnostic procedure mainly helps in making your arteries and aorta visible on the CT scan pictures.
CT scan also helps in determining the size and shape of an aneurysm. CT scan provides better-detailed pictures when compared to an ultrasound.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
During this diagnostic method, certain magnets and radio waves are used to create pictures of the organs and structures in your body. This test mainly helps in detecting aneurysm and its exact location.
- Angiography
Special dyes and x-rays are used to examine your arteries. This test helps in knowing the exact damage and blockage in blood vessels due to an aortic aneurysm. The size and shape of an aneurysm can also be examined with the help of this test.
It is recommended to get yourself diagnosed when you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment help in avoiding complications in the later stages. Aortic aneurysm treatment in Hyderabad is possible under the supervision of experienced doctors. Dr Abhilash Sandhyala is the best endovascular surgeon who can perform aortic aneurysm surgery in Hyderabad with positive results.