Aneurysm can develop in any vessel, including the aorta. It is a specific cavity formed between the outer and inner shells. The aorta itself is the largest vessel in the human body. Throughout life, she is forced to constantly undergo mechanical stresses that are carried out in the process of contraction of the left ventricle.
That is why signs of aortic aneurysm are considered a fairly common problem.
In order to start the necessary treatment in a timely manner, you need to know how this pathology manifests itself. First of all, it is worth considering its varieties and the most likely places of localization.
Most often, patients have signs of chest aortic aneurysm.
Pain
If we talk about aortic aneurysm, then, as a rule, a person first of all complains of quite severe pain. It appears due to the fact that the nerve trunks gradually begin to compress. In this case, patients pay attention that the pain syndrome can disappear for a while, and then appear again with a double force. The sensations are sometimes so intense that they give off pain in almost any part of the body. It depends on the location of the aneurysm and its diameter.
In addition, similar signs of aortic aneurysm of the chest appear against the background of the fact that nerve endings are involved in the inflammatory process. This is what leads to a very intense and rather sharp, unpleasant sensations. If we talk about the characteristic of pain, then, as a rule, it resembles angina pectoris. This means that in most cases, after some time, the pain begins to localize over a long time behind the sternum. In this case, destruction of the spinal cord is possible, and it is not surprising that severe pain occurs in the back. Some people are even diagnosed with hand paralysis.
Cough
In some situations, a similar sign of aortic aneurysm becomes the main and even the only one. In this case, it is worth paying attention to the manifestation of cough. As a rule, he is convulsive and paroxysmal. Very similar to cough in children during whooping cough. A similar manifestation is due to the fact that the fibers of the vagus nerves begin to be very irritated. This is exactly what leads to the appearance of a suffocating and severe cough. In this case, during exacerbation of symptoms, sputum may be released.
Also a fairly clear sign of chest aortic aneurysm is a change in a person’s voice. This is due to the fact that compression of the left nerve of the return type occurs. Over time, it completely atrophies, which affects the level of tension of the vocal cords. The patient begins to speak more rudely, hoarsely, he has a low timbre. And in some situations, the voice may disappear altogether.
Additional symptoms and signs of aortic aneurysm
Such manifestations are less common, but nevertheless it is worth talking about them.
If the aneurysm affects the descending aorta, then the patient may have a disturbed swallowing function. Some patients develop hiccups. It indicates the onset of paralysis in the diaphragm. At the same time, hiccups can torment for a long time.
It is also worth paying attention to changes in the movements of the upper eyelid, pupils and palpebral fissure. In many people, against the background of aneurysm, there is a very strong perspiration, usually mainly on the left side. The arms and body begin to literally release fluid. This occurs against the background of vasodilation.
Objective signs
If a person suffers from a rather serious lesion, then the so-called pulsating tumor will appear among the signs of an aortic aneurysm. During the examination, the doctor will not be difficult to identify it. This happens due to the fact that bone tissue gradually begins to atrophy, and the aorta protrudes forward. Although ripple may be absent. For example, if the vessel is completely filled with blood clots, then such symptoms will not be observed.
If we are talking about a small aneurysm, then it is determined a little differently. First you need to ask a person to stand upright. After this, it is necessary to approach him from the side and put one hand to the left side of the chest. If trembling in the chest is felt, then this may indicate the appearance of pathology. It is also advisable that the doctor listen to the patient. The fact is that with aneurysm, fairly obvious noises appear. Breathing may be impaired.
Signs of abdominal aortic aneurysm
If the problem appeared in this area, then, most likely, the patient is more than 50 years old. This is due to the fact that most often this form of pathology causes atherosclerosis, which is diagnosed just at a more mature age. That is why the abdominal aortic aneurysm, causes, symptoms (signs) and the diagnosis of this ailment require special attention - it is more difficult for an elderly person to recover after treatment.
If we talk about the symptoms that are noted in this case, then most often patients complain of abdominal pain. Such manifestations can last for several minutes or for 2-3 hours. Mostly pain occurs after eating, both in the daytime and at night. In some cases, the pain becomes so intense that it even radiates to the groin area. And the signs of abdominal aortic aneurysm in women at the initial stage sometimes resemble the onset of menstruation.
Over time, the situation worsens. Additionally, bloating may be observed. Patients complain of persistent constipation. If compression of the stomach, urinary tract or intestines has occurred, this often causes a dysfunction of these organs. Often problems arise in the kidneys.
It is also worth paying attention to the signs and symptoms of aortic aneurysm, which are associated with the appearance of puffiness (mainly in the lower body). In this case, most likely, compression of the inferior vein occurred. In more severe cases, comes to paralysis of the legs. A similar phenomenon is characteristic when an aneurysm of the posterior wall occurs, when atrophic changes occur in the vertebral region and the spinal cord begins to gradually compress.
Symptoms of aneurysm stratification
If the patient has already been given the diagnosis in question, then do not be surprised at the manifestation of this type of complications. Moreover, signs of dissection of the abdominal aortic aneurysm are predicted by doctors in most cases. In such situations, the patient experiences a sudden, very sharp and severe pain. At the same time, no other signs that could portend a similar picture are observed.
The described exacerbation can occur both during physical exertion, and in a state of absolute rest. Most often, symptoms of this type affect the sternum. The pain begins to spread to the shoulder and shoulder blades. In this case, the syndrome can be so strong that the patient falls into a state of shock. He has a cold, sticky sweat, his face turns pale, and the pressure drops sharply.
Some people of retirement age are diagnosed with the so-called painless form of aneurysm. In this case, no pain syndromes are observed, but patients complain of severe shortness of breath. Symptoms are often diagnosed as acute myocardial infarction.
Heart aortic aneurysm
Very often, this form of the disease occurs without serious manifestations. Due to the absence of visible signs of an aortic aneurysm, the heart is diagnosed, as a rule, completely by accident, during the current examination or if other pathologies are suspected.
Symptoms may appear, for example, against the background of too rapid aneurysm growth. In this case, increased pressure on the ribs or, conversely, the spine. Also, in some situations, patients experience weakness, but most often attribute this symptom to completely different ailments.
Nevertheless, the first serious signs of an aortic aneurysm of the heart, unfortunately, appear at the moment when it ruptured. In this situation, a person suffers from unbearable pain.
Diagnostic measures
First, the doctor must determine the presence of systolic murmur in the aorta, therefore, first of all, palpation is performed. If we are really talking about aortic aneurysm, then it will not be difficult for a specialist to detect pulsating swelling.
After the external examination is completed, the doctor interviews the patient to find out about his lifestyle, as well as get a clear and detailed description of the symptoms that he suffers from. Further instrumental studies are conducted.
To identify aortic aneurysm, it is necessary to conduct x-ray studies, tomography, as well as ultrasound. Signs of aneurysm of the abdominal aorta or thoracic region, the areas most susceptible to pathology or already damaged, can be seen on a radiographic image, usually a survey.
Aortic aneurysm is well defined in MRI. Aortography may also be performed. It will show how large the aneurysm is and where exactly the pathology is located.
Thanks to all these diagnostic integrated measures, it becomes possible to prescribe the most favorable treatment for the patient, based on his individual characteristics. For example, age, weight and other parameters.
Treatment features
If an aortic aneurysm is diagnosed, then the doctor may suggest that it be removed. However, such a measure is necessary only if the patient really suffers from severe manifestations of the pathology. In the case when no visible symptoms are observed, it is recommended to conduct a dynamic medical observation. In addition to the doctor continuing the examination, he will also prescribe procedures that will help prevent possible complications. As a rule, such therapeutic measures involve the use of medications.
However, it should be borne in mind that it all depends on the size of the aneurysm. If it is large enough, then surgical intervention is necessary. The same goes for the intensity of progressive lesions. You need to understand that at any time, the aneurysm may burst. In this case, emergency intervention by the surgeon will be required.
As a rule, the operation consists in excising the affected area of the vascular system. In some situations, the cut and removed segment is replaced by a prosthesis. Another option - the defective area can simply be stitched. In this matter, again, it all depends on the size of the aneurysm and the condition of the patient.
Is there a conservative treatment
Such therapeutic measures are justified only if the aneurysm of an isolated type or its diameter is too small, and the patient does not suffer from any unpleasant symptoms at all. In this case, you can even limit yourself to herbal preparations and some drugs.
For example, doctors prescribe an adrenergic blocker, statin, or other type of medication. However, it must be understood that at any stage of conservative treatment of aortic aneurysm, it can begin to increase. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly undergo examination and record any changes in the dimensions of the pathology.
It is worth noting that conservative therapy is aimed solely at getting rid of unpleasant symptoms. Also, drugs help reduce the risk that aneurysm will begin to grow. However, as a rule, such methods of treatment are more prophylactic. Accordingly, with serious defeats, such an approach will not be enough.
Surgical Techniques
This type of treatment is considered the best, since in this case the affected area is simply removed and you won’t have to worry about it growing again. As a rule, surgical intervention is recommended if the dimensions of the aneurysm exceed 5 cm or in the presence of a very severe pain syndrome.
With such treatment, a resection is performed. As mentioned earlier, aneurysm undergoes an excision procedure. This method is considered the most common and most effective. In this case, after the procedure, patients are guaranteed to get rid of the pathology.
Another way is prosthetics. In such situations, endoprostheses are used. They are installed in the lumen of the aorta and is fixed just below or, conversely, above the sac of the aneurysm.
If both types of these surgical interventions turn out to be unacceptable according to the patient’s individual indicators, the so-called artery wrapping is performed, which is affected by an aneurysm, a special synthetic tissue. Such a surgical procedure is considered to be the most accurate and at the same time completely eliminates the risk of rupture or the appearance of signs of an aortic dissecting aneurysm. However, subsequently the patient will need to periodically undergo treatment and visit a doctor.
Prevention
In order to never have to face such a problem as aortic aneurysm, it is recommended that from the very early years begin to take care of your health. First of all, you should get rid of all bad habits (drinking, smoking). They not only weaken the body, but also lead to the fact that a person is more likely to encounter serious problems. It is important to pay attention to proper nutrition. Snacks on the run, fast food, soda and chips - all this must be tried to exclude from your life. You should also not give in to stressful situations or perform serious physical exertion without prior preparation. Finally, you need to spend as much time as possible in the fresh air.