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Heart Disease  (Expert Forum)
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Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve Prolapse, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

by Cody, Apr 05, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Doctors,
Can a heart catherization and/or a thallium stress test detect an abdominal aortic aneursym?  What are the most definitive tests to detect this kind of aneurysm?  What are some of the treatments for this aneurysm as a function of size of the aneurysm?  That is, if the aneurysm is small is it just monitored on a regular basis?  Is there a treatment similar to an angioplasty where a stent(sleeve like device) is inserted via catheter?
Thanks - Cody

by CCF-M.D.-KE, Apr 05, 2003 12:00AM
Dear Cody,

An abdominal CT scan is probably the best way to characterize an abdominal aortic aneurysm.  In a low risk person elective surgery should be considered when the aneursym is >4.0cm in diameter. Elective repair is definitely indicated  when the aneurysm is between 4.5cm and 5cm. If a person does not quite meet the criteria for surgery they should be followed and have their blood pressure aggressively treated. A person should undergo regular follow-up CT scans to measure the progression of the aneurysm approximately every 6 months.  There are intravascular stents available for people with aortic aneurysms but they are being done at few centers in select patients.
For more information I would recommend scheduling an appointment with a vasuclar surgeon at a large university based medical center. You can also visit our website at www.ccf.org or call for an appointment at 1-800-CCF-CARE. Hope this answers your question.

Thanks for your question,


CCF-MD-KE
Member Comments (1)

by tomrite, Mar 21, 2008 09:06PM
A related discussion, abdominal aotic anuresym was started.
Continue discussion
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