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Abdominal Aortic and Visceral Artery Aneurysms

Indrani Sen1, Camila Franco-Mesa2, Young Erben2

  • 1Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 200 2nd Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902, USA.

Cardiology Clinics
|October 23, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal aortic aneurysms cause thousands of deaths yearly. Early detection through screening or incidental findings, followed by prompt vascular specialist referral, is crucial for successful repair and improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant cause of mortality, responsible for approximately 9000 deaths annually in the US.
  • Ruptured AAAs represent the thirteenth leading cause of death, highlighting the critical need for effective management strategies.
  • While screening can detect AAAs, many are discovered incidentally, underscoring the importance of recognizing risk factors and symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To emphasize the critical role of timely diagnosis and referral in managing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and visceral artery aneurysms.
  • To highlight the importance of early detection and intervention for improving patient outcomes in aneurysm cases.
  • To underscore the necessity of specialist consultation for appropriate treatment planning.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical guidelines regarding AAA and visceral artery aneurysm diagnosis and management.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on AAA-related mortality and morbidity.
  • Discussion of diagnostic modalities and treatment options, including open and endovascular repair.

Main Results:

  • A significant portion of AAA cases result in mortality, with rupture being a primary concern.
  • Incidental discovery is a common pathway for diagnosing both abdominal aortic and visceral artery aneurysms.
  • Treatment decisions for visceral artery aneurysms are multifactorial, considering symptoms, cause, and size.

Conclusions:

  • Prompt diagnosis and referral to a vascular specialist are paramount for successful surgical repair (open or endovascular) of abdominal aortic and visceral artery aneurysms.
  • Effective management hinges on early detection, whether through screening or incidental findings, and timely intervention.
  • Optimizing patient outcomes requires a coordinated approach involving diagnosis, specialist referral, and appropriate repair strategies.

Keywords:
Aortic aneurysmEndovascularEpidemiologyVisceral aneurysm

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