Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition that occurs when the aorta, the largest artery in the body, that runs through the abdomen, becomes weakened and bulges out like a balloon.

1. AAA is typically asymptomatic until it ruptures, which is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate surgical intervention.
2. Risk factors for AAA include smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), aging, male gender, family history, and certain genetic conditions.
3. Diagnosis of AAA is usually done with imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI. Once diagnosed, the size and growth rate of the aneurysm are closely monitored, and treatment options may be considered based on the size, location, and overall health of the patient. T
4. he treatment options for AAA may include open surgical repair or endovascular stent grafting, depending on the size, location, and overall health of the patient. In general, it's important to manage risk factors and prevent the progression of AAA to avoid complications.