Diagnosis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Signs and Symptoms of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Most abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are asymptomatic and may have been developing over many years. Despite the awareness, availability, and efficacy of radiological imaging, the majority of diagnoses of abdominal aortic aneurysm occur for unrelated circumstances including:

• Routine physical examination
• Ultrasound, abdominal X-ray, or CT scan that is performed for other reasons

Patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm may experience:

• Mass or lump in the abdomen that pulsates with each heartbeat
• Back, flank, or groin pain
• Early satiety during a meal

Symptoms that may be associated with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe back pain
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Sudden drop in blood pressure due to internal bleeding (hypovolemic shock)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pale, clammy skin
• Tachycardia - rapid heart rate