What are the symptoms of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms?

Symptoms of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms may include chest pain, abdominal pain, back pain, pulsating masses, etc. In severe cases, it may lead to rupture and bleeding, which is life-threatening. The symptoms of thoracic and abdominal aneurysms vary depending on the location, size and whether the aneurysm has ruptured. There may be no obvious symptoms in the early stages, but if symptoms appear, you need to seek medical attention immediately.

1. Chest pain or abdominal pain

The most common symptoms of thoracoabdominal aneurysms are chest pain or abdominal pain. The pain may be continuous or intermittent, and the location is related to the area where the aneurysm is located. Chest pain is usually located in the center of the chest or back, while abdominal pain is mostly concentrated in the upper abdomen. The pain may be caused by the aneurysm compressing the surrounding tissues or the expansion of blood vessels. If the pain suddenly worsens, it may indicate that the aneurysm has ruptured and emergency medical treatment is required.

2. Pulsating mass

Some patients may feel a pulsating mass in the abdomen or chest. This is because the aneurysm dilation causes the blood vessel wall to thin, forming abnormal pulsation. When touched, the mass may feel beating with the heartbeat rhythm. If such symptoms are found, imaging examinations should be performed in time to confirm the diagnosis.

3. Back pain

Back pain is one of the common symptoms of thoracoabdominal aneurysms, especially when the tumor is located at the junction of the chest and abdomen. The pain may radiate to the waist or lower limbs, which is related to the compression of nerves or surrounding tissues by the tumor. If back pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, sweating or confusion, be alert to the possibility of tumor rupture.

4. Other symptoms

Thoracic and abdominal aneurysms may also cause symptoms such as dyspnea, dysphagia, and hoarseness, which are related to the compression of the trachea, esophagus, or nerves by the tumor. Some patients may experience weakness or numbness in the lower limbs, indicating that the tumor affects the blood supply to the spinal cord.

Treatment:

1. Drug treatment

For patients without symptoms or with small tumors, doctors may recommend drug treatment, including antihypertensive drugs such as beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors to reduce vascular pressure and slow tumor growth; lipid-lowering drugs such as statins to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

2. Surgical treatment

For patients with larger tumors or those at high risk of rupture, surgery is the main treatment option. Common surgical procedures include:

Open surgery: Repair or replace diseased blood vessels by opening the chest or abdomen.

Endovascular repair: A stent is implanted through a catheter to isolate the tumor and reduce the risk of rupture.

Hybrid surgery: a combination of open surgery and endovascular repair, suitable for complex cases.

3. Lifestyle Adjustment

Patients need to quit smoking, control blood pressure, maintain a healthy diet such as a low-salt, low-fat, high-fiber diet, and do moderate exercise such as walking and swimming to improve vascular health.

Thoracic and abdominal aneurysms are a potentially dangerous disease, and early detection and treatment are crucial. If you experience the above symptoms, especially sudden severe pain or a pulsating mass, you should seek medical attention immediately. Regular physical examinations and control of risk factors such as high blood pressure and high blood lipids are the key to preventing thoracic and abdominal aneurysms.