Are aortic aneurysms dangerous?
Aneurysms rarely cause symptoms before they rupture. Unfortunately, rupture causes death in the majority of cases. At first the bleeding may be contained by the tissues surrounding the aorta in the back of the abdomen. The patient experiences the sudden onset of abdominal pain and faints due to low blood pressure, but may be easily revived by intravenous fluids. It may not be long, however, until the bleeding breaks into the surrounding abdominal cavity, causing rapid loss of blood from the circulation and death within minutes. Patients reach the hospital and still have a measurable blood pressure have a contained rupture and a 50 percent chance of survival. In contrast, only 10 percent of those in shock (no obtainable blood pressure) survive. Speed is of the essence. Back to Top How can aneurysms be diagnosed before they rupture? Aneurysms can be felt on physical examination if the patient is not obese. The best test is an abdominal ultrasound, which is safe, harmless, non-invasive, a
