Aortic aneurysms are often encountered during an X-ray, ultrasound, or echocardiogram done for other reasons. IAA may also be found during a routine physical exam by feeling for bulges in the abdominal area. If an aortic aneurysm is suspected, medical history will be considered along with a physical examination. Further tests to locate the aneurysm may be required. When an aneurysm is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to: * Pinpoint the location of the aneurysm. * Estimate its size. * Find out how fast it is growing. * Find out whether other blood vessels are involved. * See if there are blood clots or inflammation. Tests to help find out the location, size, and rate of growth of an aneurysm include: * Abdominal ultrasound - This imaging allows the doctor to observe growth of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm is large, a monitoring ultrasound may need to occur every 6 to 12 months. If the aneurysm is small, monitoring may occur every 2 to 3 years. * Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) - These imaging techniques give a more detailed view of the aneurysm. These techniques may be used to gather information about aneurysm's relation to the blood vessels of the kidney or other organs. This information may be useful before surgery. CT is used to watch the growth of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. * Echocardiogram - This ultrasound exam is used to study the heart. A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) may also be done to further diagnose thoracic aortic aneurysm. * Angiogram - An angiogram can help identify the size of the aneurysm and reveal if there are any aortic dissections, blood clots, or other blood vessel involvement.
Inflammatory aortic aneurysm
Mycotic aneurysm
Thoracic aortic aneurysm
Aortic aneurysm
Syphilitic aortitis
Familial aortic dissection
Coronary artery aneurysm
Aortoiliac occlusive disease