The cardiovascular diseases

ANEURYSM OF THE ABDOMINAL AORTA

- Definition
- A few explanations
- The symptoms
- What does the physician notice?
- How to make the diagnosis?
- Once the diagnosis made, an operative check-up is required
- Complications
- The causes
- Clinical shape, Evolution, Prognosis
- Treatment, Conclusion

COMPLICATIONS

It is essentially the rupture of the aneurysm, which occurs most often in the stomach (the peritoneum).

1 - The rupture in the stomach, the most frequent and serious case

The abdominal pain is intense with posterior irradiation and comes with a decrease of the B.P.

The exam achieved by the physician findsa contraction of the abdominal wall and the perception of a non-expansive abdominal beating mass: it is the abdominal stressed haematoma.

Facing this case, the profile “abdomen without preparation” (AWP) and the ultrasound stillconstitute the 2 exams to achieve. The patient's transfer is made directly in a specialized vehicle with intensive resuscitationdirectlytoward the operating room, which has been prepared.

2 - The rupture of the aneurysm in the digestive tract or in a vein (the lower vena cava)

The rupture in the digestive tract (duodenum) is a rare possibility. The occurrence is often insidious, making the diagnosis erratic. Very abundant bleedings through the anus and associated episodes of fever on palpation of an aneurysm, even very small, especially if it is sensitive, must lead toconsider the diagnosis.

Facing this case, the most sensitive exam is the high digestive fibroscopy, which finds an ulcer of the duodenum.

The rupture in the lower vena cava (big calibre vein going up in the stomach toward the heart) induces an acute cardiac failure. The pain and the change in the general state are the calling signs.

3 - The embolic accidents

They can be:

- An embolism at the level of the lower limbs arteries (see the arteriopathy of the lower limbs card);

- The formation of a clot at the level of the aneurysm, which blocks up the passage of blood into the aorta.

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File last modified on june 12, 2006