(^4) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
Just the Facts
Aortic Aneurysm
WHAT WENT WRONG?
A weakening in the wall of a portion of the aorta results in a balloon-like bulge as
blood flows through the aorta. The blood flow within this bulging area of the aorta
becomes very turbulent. Over time this turbulence can cause the dilated area to
increase in size, creating an aneurysm. The aneurysm can rupture causing a dis-
ruption in blood flow to everything below the affected area, and may even result
in death.
This is commonly due to atherosclerosis where fatty substances, cholesterol,
calcium and the clotting material fibrin, referred to as plaque, build up in the inner
lining of an artery resulting in thickening and hardening of the arteries. It may also
be caused by degeneration of the smooth muscle layer (middle) of the aorta,
trauma, congenital defect, or infection. The aneurysm may be found incidentally
on radiographic studies done for other reasons, or the patient may have developed
symptoms indicating that something was wrong, such as severe back or abdomi-
nal pain, or a pulsating mass. Severe hypotension and syncope (fainting caused by
insufficient blood supply to the brain) may indicate rupture.PROGNOSIS
Outcome will vary depending on size and location of aneurysm. Some patients
have aneurysms for months before a diagnosis is made, because they are asymp-
tomatic. Treatment decisions will depend on the size and location of the aneurysm.
Some patients with an aneurysm will have watchful waiting with periodic imag-
ing to monitor the size of the aneurysm while other patients may need emergent
surgery.HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Asymptomatic
- Abdominal pain
- Back pain that may radiate to posterior legs
- Abdominal pulsation
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