Causes and risk factors
Aneurysm is caused due to thinning or weakening of the walls of the aorta. Atherosclerosis is one of the contributing factors. However certain conditions like hypertension, smoking, excess alcohol, obesity can trigger aneurysm. Genetic diseases like Marfan syndrome, syphilis tuberculosis etc can also cause aneurysm. Incidences are also seen in patients who have a strong family history. Trauma or fall or accident can also lead to aneurysm due to injury.
Clinical presentation:
Most of the patient remains asymptomatic. Over time aneurysm can exert pressures on the surrounding structures specially nerves it can cause symptoms like pain in back and pain in chest. The person complaints of difficulty in breathing. Coughing occurs, wheezing and hoarseness of voices is seen. The patient experiences difficulty in swallowing food. Hoarseness of voice occurs. Increase in the size of the aneurysm can affect the valves of the heart leading to congestive heart failure. In cases the aneurysm bursts it leads to internal bleeding endangering life.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the cardiologist. An x ray of the chest, a transthoracic or transesophagal echocargiodgram, MRI or CT scan of the heart along with angiography is diagnostic. Apart from this routine Blood test, Blood sugar levels, lipid profile Renal and liver function test are also done.
Treatment:
In cases of small aneurysm close monitoring is necessary. Immediate medical attention is required in cases of large aneurysm. Pain relieving medicines, beta blockers and angiotensin blockers medications are started. Endovascular repair or open chest surgery where a synthetic graft is used to replace the weakened wall are adopted.
Recent update:
As per the article published at medindia cardiologist research states that people with bicuspid aortic valves may also be at a higher risk of developing aortic aneurysms.
