Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Symptoms

Symptoms of aortic aneurysm vary depending on the site of the disease. Stretch on the aortic wall can cause pain usually of dull and aching variety. Due to the mass effect, it can exert pressure on the neighboring structures. At the ascending aorta dyspnea and chest pain can occur. At the arch and proximal descending aorta patients can have difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty in breathing or change in voice due to compression on the nerve (recurrent laryngeal nerve).

In the abdomen symptoms can be confusing – from mild abdominal pain, colicky pain, burning micturition and low backache to jaundice and bleeding. Some patients notice prominent pulsating swelling in the abdomen.

When aneurysm is large and threatening to rupture, pain may be more severe. It may present with abdominal or back pain.

Rupture is associated with excruciating back or abdominal pain. Deterioration can be rapid due to blood loss into peritoneum or chest cavity.

Aneurysm close to intestines can erode into them and rupture (Aorto-enteric fistula). This is a very serious complication and treatment is difficult with poor prognosis in spite of timely surgery.