What is an aortic aneurysm?
The aorta carries blood from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. When a segment of its wall weakens it stretches outward into an aneurysm. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms grow slowly and silently; the danger is rupture, which is frequently fatal before the patient reaches hospital.
Risk of rupture rises sharply with diameter, so management is built around measurement. Small aneurysms are monitored with ultrasound at set intervals and treated medically; repair is offered once the aneurysm reaches the threshold size, grows quickly, or begins to cause symptoms.
Symptoms to watch for
- Most cause no symptoms and are found incidentally on a scan
- A pulsating sensation in the abdomen
- Deep, constant pain in the abdomen, flank or lower back
- Sudden severe abdominal or back pain with faintness — suggests rupture
- Cold, painful or discoloured toes from debris embolising downstream
When to seek urgent care
Sudden severe abdominal or back pain with dizziness or collapse may mean rupture. This is a life-threatening emergency — call for emergency help immediately.
How it is diagnosed
Investigation is chosen to answer a specific question rather than as a blanket screen. For aortic aneurysm that usually means:
- Abdominal ultrasound — the standard test for detection and surveillance
- CT angiography for precise diameter, extent and planning of repair
- MR angiography where radiation or contrast needs to be limited
- Assessment of the whole aorta and iliac arteries, not the sac alone
- Cardiac, respiratory and renal assessment before repair
Treatment options at Siva Sakthi
Which of these applies to you depends on what the assessment shows. The options are discussed with you, including what each involves and what recovery looks like.
- SurveillanceAneurysms below the repair threshold are measured at defined intervals by ultrasound so that growth is detected before it becomes risky.
- Medical risk reductionStopping smoking, controlling blood pressure and lipid-lowering therapy slow expansion and reduce overall cardiovascular risk.
- Endovascular repair (EVAR)A covered stent-graft is delivered through the groin arteries and lines the aneurysm from within, avoiding a large abdominal incision — with lifelong imaging follow-up.
- Open surgical repairThe aneurysm is replaced with a graft through an abdominal incision; it remains the more durable option for suitable anatomy and younger, fitter patients.
- Emergency repairA ruptured or symptomatic aneurysm is repaired as an emergency, by endovascular or open technique depending on anatomy and stability.
Common questions
People with a history of smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or a first-degree relative with an aneurysm — particularly men over 65. A single abdominal ultrasound is enough to start.
EVAR has a lower early risk and a much faster recovery; open repair generally needs less long-term reintervention. Anatomy, age and fitness decide which is appropriate for you.
No. Aneurysms do not reverse. The aim of medical treatment is to slow growth and reduce cardiovascular risk while surveillance continues.
Book a consultation in Guntur
Aortic Aneurysm is assessed and treated by Dr. Vijay Kumar Vishnumolakala, MS, MCh, at our Kothapeta clinic. Request an appointment or call +91 00000 00000.