Aortic Aneurysm

Treatment

Treatment for an aortic aneurysm depends on size, type and location of the aneurysm as well as a person's general health. Treatment options include monitoring, medication and surgery.

Aortic aneurysms that have ruptured may be repaired with emergency surgery. But the outcome generally is less successful than if an aneurysm is detected and treated before it ruptures. Many people who experience a ruptured aortic aneurysm die before they reach the hospital.

It is important to understand that once an aneurysm begins to form, it will not disappear on its own. Medication may be helpful in slowing the growth of an aneurysm, but is not a cure. Generally, most aneurysms will eventually need to be repaired.

Monitoring

If the aneurysm is small and there are no symptoms (for example, if the aneurysm is found during a routine physical examination or discovered in tests for another condition), a physician may recommend "waiting-and-watching." An ultrasound or echocardiogram, CT scan, or MRI scan once or twice a year is a common monitoring strategy.

Medication

If the aneurysm is small, medication may be recommended to prevent enlargement or complications. Antihypertensives such as beta-blockers may be used to lower blood pressure. Medications may slow the rate at which an aortic aneurysm expands.

Surgery

When an aneurysm becomes large, there is a danger that it could rupture and surgery presents less risk than a ruptured aneurysm. Repairing aneurysms can be surgically complex depending on the location and may require special techniques. Surgeons at Mayo Clinic are experienced with such techniques and perform them frequently with excellent results.