Abdominal aneurysm: An aneurysm situated within the abdomen (belly). An aneurysm is a localized widening (dilatation) of an artery, vein, or the heart. At the area of an aneurysm, there is typically a bulge and the wall is weakened and may rupture. The word “aneurysm” comes from the Greek “aneurysma” meaning “a widening.” An aneurysm may involve the aorta, the largest artery in the body, as it courses down through the abdomen. Because of the great volume of blood flowing under high pressure in the aorta, rupture of an  abdominal aortic aneurysm is a surefire catastrophe.

Common misspellings: abdominal aortic anurism

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:

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

Treatment

If the aneurysm is small and there are no symptoms (for example, if it was discovered during a routine physical), your doctor may recommend periodic evaluation. This usually includes a yearly ultrasound, to see if the aneurysm is getting bigger.

Aneurysms that cause symptoms usually require surgery to prevent complications.

Surgery is recommended for patients with aneurysms bigger than 5.5 cm in diameter and aneurysms that rapidly increase in size. The goal is to perform surgery before complications or symptoms develop.

There are two approaches to surgery. In a traditional (open) repair, a large cut is made in your abdomen. The abnormal vessel is replaced with a graft made of synthetic material, such as Dacron.

The other approach is called endovascular stent grafting. An endovascular stent graft is a tube made of metal mesh that helps support the artery. Small, hollow tubes called catheters are inserted through arteries in your groin. The stent graft is sent through a catheter, and permanently placed into the artery. Endovascular stent grafting can be done without making a large cut in your abdomen, so you may get well faster. However, not all patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms can have this type of surgery.

Ref: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000162.htm