If an aortic aneurysm presents without symptoms, it might be discovered incidentally during a routine physical examination or through tests conducted for other reasons, such as chest or abdominal pain.
For an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), your doctor might identify a pulsating mass in your abdomen. A rapidly enlarging aneurysm approaching rupture can be tender and intensely painful upon palpation. Detecting an AAA might pose challenges, particularly in overweight or obese individuals.
Moreover, your doctor may detect abnormal blood flow sounds rather than the typical whooshing noise when listening to your abdomen with a stethoscope.
Specialists such as cardiothoracic or vascular surgeons may be involved in diagnosing and treating an aortic aneurysm. A cardiothoracic surgeon performs surgeries on the heart, lungs, and chest organs, including the aorta, while a vascular surgeon specializes in surgeries related to blood vessels except those of the heart and brain.
Various tests and procedures may be recommended to diagnose and evaluate an aneurysm:
1. Ultrasound: This painless test employs sound waves to generate images of internal structures, aiding in determining the size of an aneurysm.
2. Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: This non-invasive test utilizes x-rays and a contrast dye to produce detailed images of internal organs, offering clearer views of the aorta and any aneurysms.
3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI employs magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of bodily structures, accurately detecting aneurysms and providing information on their size and location.
4. Angiography: This procedure involves injecting a special dye into the bloodstream to visualize the insides of arteries using x-ray imaging. An aortogram, an angiogram of the aorta, can reveal the extent of damage and blockages in blood vessels, indicating the presence and characteristics of an aortic aneurysm.