Specialized treatment for this dangerous condition
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a specific type of aortic aneurysm in the abdomen, or belly. An aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the aorta, the body’s largest artery. The aorta runs from the chest through the abdomen and carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Like any aneurysm, this condition develops due to a weakening of a blood vessel—in this case, the aorta. Many factors can cause this, including:
- Certain birth defects
- Collagen vascular disorder
- Genetic predisposition
- Infections or injuries
- Smoking
An abdominal aortic aneurysm that bursts can lead to major internal bleeding or death. Aneurysms that don’t burst can be dangerous if they grow large enough, as they pose a risk for bursting.
Our heart and vascular surgeons are well-equipped to treat this condition. We bring these experts together in our Complex Aortic Center, one of the few programs in the region that treats the most complex cases.
What are the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm can develop for years without causing any symptoms. You may not experience any noticeable symptoms unless the aneurysm bursts or grows large enough to block blood flow or press against other areas of the body.
Before a rupture, symptoms can include:
- Pain in the back or side
- Poor circulation in the feet
- Steady pain in the belly that can last for hours or days
- Throbbing in the belly
- Stroke
If an abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures, symptoms might include:
- Clammy, sweaty skin
- Dizziness, nausea and/or vomiting
- Light-headedness
- Rapid heart rate
- Sudden, severe pain in the lower belly or back
Call 911 right away if you think you have an aneurysm that has burst.
Tests
Angiogram (Angiography)
An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels...
Abdominal Duplex Ultrasound
Abdominal duplex ultrasound is a combination of a traditional and Doppler ultrasound that assesses the blood vessels in your abdomen for blockages or aneurysms.
Chest X-ray
Chest X-rays use a small dose of radiation to create pictures of the structures inside the chest, including the lungs, heart, and chest wall.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology used to create images of your heart and blood vessels.
Treatments
With regular monitoring, smaller aneurysms may not need treatment. For larger aneurysms, we offer a variety of traditional and minimally invasive surgical option.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Treatments
Abdominal aortic aneurysm treatments include monitoring, medication, or surgery to place a graft that reduces pressure on the walls of the aorta where the aneurysm exists.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Jason Andrew Chin, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Manisha Salvador Durkee, CRNP
Vascular Surgery
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Javairiah Fatima, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Kevin Grant Handy, MD
Cardiac Critical Care
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Rachel E Harrison, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Michael Jeffrey Hockstein, MD
Cardiac Critical Care
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Lucy B Kupersmith, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Thomas Edward MacGillivray, MD
Cardiac Surgery
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Krystal C. Maloni, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Michael Alan Matyas, MD
Cardiac Imaging, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine & Diagnostic Radiology
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Susan Thornton Oyola, AGACNP-BC
Cardiac Surgery
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Alexandra Kristina Pratt, MD
Critical Care Medicine
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Raghuveer Vallabhaneni, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Jennifer Yu, MD
Neurocritical Care, Critical Care Medicine, Surgical Critical Care & Cardiac Critical Care
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Sarkis Garabet Aghazarian, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Rashad Imran Majeed, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.