What are the symptoms of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms?

Symptoms of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms may include abdominal or back pain, a pulsating mass, nausea and vomiting, and in severe cases may lead to shock or organ ischemia. Treatments include medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments.

1. Abdominal or back pain is a common symptom of thoracoabdominal aneurysm. The pain may be continuous or intermittent, usually in the abdomen or middle of the back. This pain may be due to the expansion of the aneurysm compressing the surrounding tissue or a warning sign that the aneurysm is about to rupture. If the pain suddenly intensifies, it may be a sign of a ruptured aneurysm and you need to see a doctor immediately.

2. Pulsating mass is another typical symptom of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms. Patients may feel a pulsating mass in the abdomen that is synchronized with the heartbeat. This is due to the thinning of the blood vessel wall caused by the expansion of the aneurysm, and the pulsating feeling caused by blood flow. When such a mass is found, imaging examinations should be performed as soon as possible to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Nausea and vomiting may be the result of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms compressing the digestive system or affecting blood circulation. The expansion of aneurysms may compress organs such as the stomach and intestines, leading to abnormal digestive function. At the same time, aneurysms may affect blood supply, further causing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.

4. In severe cases, thoracic and abdominal aneurysms may cause shock or organ ischemia. Rupture of an aneurysm can cause massive bleeding, resulting in a sharp drop in blood pressure, which can lead to shock. Aneurysms may block blood supply, causing organ ischemia or even necrosis. These situations require emergency surgical treatment.

Treatment methods include medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments. Medication is mainly used to control blood pressure and prevent thrombosis. Commonly used drugs include antihypertensive drugs and anticoagulants. Surgical treatment includes laparotomy and intravascular intervention. The laparotomy removes the aneurysm and replaces it with an artificial blood vessel, while the intravascular intervention repairs the blood vessel by implanting a stent through a catheter. Lifestyle adjustments include quitting smoking, controlling diet, and exercising moderately, which can help reduce the risk of aneurysms.

Symptoms of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms vary and can be life-threatening in severe cases. It is crucial to identify symptoms promptly and take appropriate treatment measures. Medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments are the main treatments, and specific plans need to be developed based on the patient's condition. Regular physical examinations and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent and detect thoracic and abdominal aneurysms early.