An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a permanent pathological dilatation, a kind of balloon-like bulge, affecting the wall of the largest artery in the abdomen.
Although the exact causes are currently unknown, doctors believe that the occurrence of an abdominal aneurysm is promoted by several factors, such as hypertension, aging, cigarette smoking, etc.
Symptoms, when present, consist of a strange pulsating sensation at the level of the umbilicus, accompanied by persistent abdominal pain and lower back pain.
For a precise diagnosis, an abdominal ultrasound, CT scan and/or nuclear magnetic resonance imaging are usually needed in addition to an objective examination.
Treatment involves surgery, which is generally performed only in cases of large aneurysms.
