Abdominal aortic aneurysm is an enlargement of the abdominal section of the aorta caused by degenerative changes in the middle layer of the aortic wall. This type of aortic aneurysm is often localized below the bifurcation of the renal arteries.
Causes of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Approximately 40% of all cases of abdominal aortic aneurysm are discovered incidentally during clinical or radiological examinations at Ichilov clinic.
Main factors:
- Atherosclerosis – the deposition of single or multiple foci of lipid, primarily cholesterol deposits, known as plaques. Their growth leads to deformation of the vessel wall and narrowing of its lumen.
- Aortitis – an inflammatory process in the aortic wall leads to its weakening.
- Genetic predisposition – hereditary diseases characterized by weakening of the walls of large arteries (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome).
- Infectious invasion, such as endocarditis or syphilis – affects the inner heart layer.
As well as negative external factors:
- Smoking.
- Age (patients aged 40 to 60 years).
- High blood pressure.
- Low physical activity or lack thereof.
- Excess weight.
Diagnosis of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Israel
Clinical symptoms are scarce:
- The patient notes intermittent abdominal pain without a specific localization, as well as a sensation of pulsation.
- A pulsating mass is detected to the left of the spine.
- Abdominal pain that occurs after the patient consumes any food.
- Patients exhibit intermittent claudication.
- Pain increases in cases of compression of the spinal roots by the aneurysmal sac.
- At Ichilov clinic, thorough diagnostics are conducted using the latest medical equipment and systems:
- Radiological examination of the abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space of the patient.
- Ultrasound diagnosis of the abdominal section.
- Angiography in two projections.
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging and angiography.
- Contrast aortography.
When diagnosing a condition such as abdominal aortic aneurysm in Israel, consultations with highly qualified specialists are equally important: an angi surgeon and an anesthesiologist at Ichilov clinic.
Treatment of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Israel
Conservative, particularly medication treatment is ineffective. Treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysm requires exclusively surgical intervention followed by prosthetics. The main task that determines the course of the operation is to prevent the aneurysm from rupturing.
Surgical intervention can be performed in three ways:
- Prosthetics. The operation involves the expansion of the aorta followed by the implantation of a synthetic prosthesis.
- Shunting – creating an arterial collateral to bypass the damaged vessel affected by the aneurysm.
- Stenting. The stent is inserted through a previously made small puncture. It is usually introduced via a catheter into the femoral artery. The catheter is in a folded state and is controlled by X-ray radiation. Upon reaching the aneurysmal zone, it unfolds. By implanting the stent into the aortic wall, uninterrupted blood flow is achieved, which does not exert pressure on the damaged area of the vessel. 90% of patients who were not operated on for abdominal aortic aneurysm in Israel die within a year from aortic rupture. Massive bleeding occurs into the retroperitoneal space and the free abdominal cavity. Thromboembolic disorders occur less frequently.