Aortic and arterial aneurysms, while serious, may be effectively managed with early detection and treatment. Advanced diagnostic imaging enables precise diagnosis and can inform aneurysm treatment options, including the potential use of minimally invasive treatments. These approaches can help ensure patient safety and also shorten recovery times. Emphasizing accuracy and minimizing risk, the use of advanced imaging techniques aims to improve early detection, intervention, and patient outcomes.
Understanding Aneurysms
An aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel, usually an artery, that can occur due to weakening of the artery walls. The most common place aneurysms form is the abdominal aorta, which is the main artery that delivers blood throughout your body.
Risk factors include being over 65, smoking, family history, and conditions like high blood pressure and obesity. Managing high blood pressure through lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking and eating a heart-healthy diet, can reduce your risk and help prevent aneurysms.
Aneurysms can lead to life-threatening ruptures if not detected early through imaging tests. Symptoms of aneurysms vary but may include:
- “Blue toe” syndrome, a purple or blue toe often attributed to aneurysms
- Pain primarily in the chest, abdomen or back that spreads to surrounding areas of the body
- Pulsating feelings
- Sudden headaches
- Unexplained weight loss
You may experience a sharp decrease in blood pressure, signs of shock or a sudden, intense pain. In these cases, an aneurysm may have ruptured, a sign that you should seek urgent medical care.
Diagnosing Aneurysms
To diagnose an aneurysm, your doctor will order imaging tests, like a CT, MRI, or Ultrasound. Because aneurysms often don’t cause pain or any other symptoms until they become large or ruptured, they are sometimes found during imaging for other issues. However, symptoms can develop, such as pain in the back, chest, stomach, neck, jaw, or shoulder, as well as other symptoms, depending on the location of the aneurysm. In these cases, or if you have certain risk factors, your doctor might recommend advanced imaging to rule out other potential causes.
Diagnostic imaging helps to determine the size, shape, and location of aneurysms, which is crucial for planning aneurysm treatment strategies. Advanced imaging modalities that help in the diagnosis of aneurysms include:
- CT: This advanced type of X-ray technology creates detailed cross-sectional images. A CT scan can provide information on the location and shape of an aneurysm.
- MRI: This type of imaging creates images of internal structures of the body using a powerful magnetic field. An MRI gives information about the precise location of an aneurysm, as well as its size and shape. MR angiography or MRA is a type of MRI that shows detailed images of blood vessels.
- Ultrasound: Your doctor may order an ultrasound, which creates images of soft tissues using sound waves, to check for the presence of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, as well as track its size over time. A Doppler vascular ultrasound can give information about the blood flow through the aorta.
Read More: Safety Measures During MRI Scans
Lifestyle Changes Following a Diagnosis
In managing aortic and arterial aneurysms, lifestyle changes play a significant role in influencing health outcomes Here are some changes your doctor may recommend:
- Healthy diet
- Regular moderate-level physical activity, avoiding straining exercise
- Quit smoking
- Weight management
- Control blood pressure and cholesterol
- Stress management
For those diagnosed, adopting these changes is key not just for symptom management but also for the prevention of complications. This includes managing contributing conditions like high blood pressure to participate in treatment and aim for stability.
Beyond lifestyle adjustments, the importance of regular follow-ups and surveillance imaging stands out. These visits enable early detection of any aneurysm changes, allowing for timely intervention. Proactive surveillance is crucial in the long-term management of arterial and aortic aneurysms, helping patients maintain health and potentially prevent emergencies.
Interventional Radiology’s Role in Aneurysm Treatment
For decades, the primary treatment for aneurysms involved open surgery, notable for its effectiveness but often accompanied by longer recovery times and increased risks. However, the landscape of aneurysm treatment has been transformed by advances in medical technology. These advancements have paved the way for minimally invasive procedures, made possible by enhanced imaging capabilities and refined surgical techniques. Minimally invasive interventional radiology treatments for aneurysms typically use only small incisions for very targeted procedures, offering benefits like shortened hospital stays, fewer complications, and reduced recovery time. For these reasons, IR treatment approaches are often more suitable options for certain candidates. They also allow for the treatment of patients who may not be candidates for traditional open surgery due to their age or other health conditions. The interventional radiologists at Vascular & Interventional Specialists can treat aneurysms using techniques such as:
- Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR): Also called aneurysm endograft repair, this endovascular treatment is often used to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms. For this procedure, an interventional radiologist inserts a stent graft covered with impermeable fabric through a small opening in the thigh. Using live X-ray guidance, the radiologist positions the stent graft in the aorta, where it attaches to the artery walls and forms a “bridge” for blood flow diversion. This prevents blood from flowing into the aneurysm and lowers the risk of rupture.
- Aneurysm embolization and stent placement: Using live X-ray guidance, an interventional radiologist guides a catheter through the arteries to the location of the aneurysm. The aneurysm can then be treated with a material to fill the space and prevent blood flow to it. Stenting can also be utilized to divert flow away from the aneurysm. Each individual’s treatment option will be dependent on the procedure.
While the specifics of the aneurysm and the patient’s overall health are key considerations in deciding which treatment approach may be safest and most effective, minimally invasive procedures may be a preferred choice due to their reduced risk and recovery time. Although open surgery is still necessary for certain types of aneurysms and situations, advancements in minimally invasive techniques have broadened their applicability. Factors such as the aneurysm’s size, location, and the patient’s condition are considered, underscoring the value of personalized treatment planning with your doctor.
Read More: Vascular Embolization: One Patient’s Lifesaving Procedure
Embracing Advances in Aneurysm Management
Advancements in imaging and minimally invasive techniques are paving the way for a future with safer, more effective options for aneurysm patients. The importance of education and early detection cannot be overstated. It’s vital to consult healthcare professionals for guidance, especially if you have risk factors or are experiencing symptoms. Being proactive can help you benefit from the latest treatments and interventions, significantly improving outcomes and quality of life.