The Power Of Teamwork: Vascular Center

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Aneurysms are among the top ten leading causes of death among Americans each year. An aneurysm is a weakening or ballooning of an artery wall that can affect any artery in the body, most commonly the aorta. The aorta is the body's major blood vessel directly connected to the heart that delivers oxygen-rich blood to the body. Over time, the integrity of the artery wall deteriorates causing a rupture, often leading to death. When diagnosed early and addressed with appropriate treatment, aneurysms can be repaired.

In 1999, George C Scott died of an abdominal aortic aneurysm at the age of 71. Scott, a veteran actor known for his role in "Patton", was found in his home and later pronounced dead due to a rupture in his aorta.

"While aneurysms are known as the silent killers, actually there is good news about aneurysms because A) they can be safely and painlessly detected and B) the treatment is highly successful, with minimal inconvenience and recovery for patients."
-- Dr. Richard Cambria, Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center

There are different types of aneurysms related to the different blood vessels in which they occur.

• Brain – Learn more
• Abdominal aortic – Learn more
• Thoracic aortic – Learn more
• Leg – Learn more

RISK FACTORS
There are several risk factors for developing aneurysms. Most importantly is your family history. If you have a parent or sibling that has had an aneurysm, chances of developing an aneurysm are much higher than that of the general population.

List of risk factors:
• Family history
• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Cigarette smoking

SYMPTOMS
Aneurysms typically do not cause any symptoms unless they are threatening to burst. There can be a variety of symptoms which may result from aneurysms based on the location and size of the aneurysm. Many aneurysms are detected when x-ray studies are carried out for some other reason.

List of symptoms:
• Sudden onset of sharp pain in the abdomen or lower back
• Chest pain
• Constant pain over a period of hours within a day
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath

Get a complete list of symptoms

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

DIAGNOSIS
Aneurysms in general are a disease of older people. If a member of your family has died from an aneurysm, screening measures should begin at age 55. In addition, men age 65 years or older with a history of tobacco use should undergo one screening ultrasound test to exclude abdominal aortic aneurysm. Doctors are able to perform a non-invasive ultrasound or other non-invasive imaging test to diagnose any potential areas of concern.

Non-invasive diagnostic tests include:
• CAT Scan
     • MRI/MRA
     • X-Ray
• Ultrasound
• Echocardiogram

Get a complete list of diagnostic tests

PREVENTION
Making some lifestyle changes is the best defense in reducing the risk of developing serious vascular health conditions. You can reduce the threat of developing an aneurysm by stopping smoking and controlling blood pressure. Even with lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors, patients with a family history are at an increased risk of developing an aneurysm. Aneurysms can also occur in older people regardless of high blood pressure or cigarette smoking, due to advancing age.

Lifestyle changes to reduce risk:
• Avoid cigarette smoking
• Control high blood pressure/hypertension
• Maintain a healthy diet

TREATMENT
Considered a relatively common health problem, approximately 100,000 surgical repair treatments for aneurysms are performed annually in the United States.

Types of treatments:
• Conventional graft replacement surgery
• Stent-graft repair (minimally invasive surgery)
• In the case of brain aneurysms, less invasive "coiling"

Currently, 75% of abdominal aortic aneurysms (the most common type) can be repaired with minimally invasive surgery, and vascular surgeons at the Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center have the most experience in New England with all types of aneurysm surgery.

Post surgical follow up is necessary to make sure aneurysms do not develop in other locations within the body. Regular CAT scans are necessary for stent graft repairs to insure stent integrity.

Learn more about treatments and clinical trials available for aneurysms

Untreated vascular disease can lead to debilitating or life threatening physical problems. Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center sets the standard when it comes to diagnosis and treatment of all types of vascular disease.

Learn more about the Massachusetts General Hospital Vascular Center

To make an appointment or to refer a patient for care at the Vascular Center, please call the Vascular Center Access Line at 877-644-8346. A nurse-coordinator is available to take pertinent information and facilitate access to the most appropriate specialist.

Sources

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