Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of an artery that occurs when there is weakening of the arterial wall. This dilation causes the diameter of the artery to increase irreversibly. The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is one of the most common and occurs when the diameter of the artery exceeds 3 cm. The primary cause of this condition is atherosclerosis, which weakens the arterial wall. It is more common in individuals over 65 years old, especially in men, and in those with heart or vascular diseases.

This condition is usually silent. In about one-third of cases, the first manifestation occurs with the rupture of the aneurysm, a serious and almost always fatal complication, which occurs more frequently when the diameter exceeds 5 cm. When there is spontaneous pain or palpitations, it may be a sign that the aneurysm is growing or experiencing cracks in the wall.

Additionally, this condition can cause the fragmentation of clots inside the artery, resulting in embolisms that may lead to ischaemia, which is the lack of blood flow to certain areas. Early diagnosis, often carried out through abdominal ultrasound, is essential to avoid severe complications. Computerised tomography or magnetic resonance imaging are also requested to assess the size and precise location of the aneurysm.

Risk factors for aneurysms include age over 60, history of trauma, circulatory system diseases, atherosclerosis, smoking, hypertension, and genetic predisposition, with regular monitoring of its growth being crucial. Treatment is surgical and can be performed through traditional surgery, which involves replacing the affected area with a graft, or through a minimally invasive technique, with the placement of an endograft, which is a device placed via catheterisation. Both approaches have good outcomes, with minimally invasive surgery offering a shorter recovery time.

The prevention of aneurysms is directly related to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which includes a healthy diet, regular physical activity, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Regular medical follow-up is essential to monitor health and prevent severe complications.