Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening FAQ

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
An AAA is a localized dilatation of the abdominal aorta greater than 3 cm caused by a degenerative process or the aortic wall, such as arteriosclerosis.

What are the complications of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)s are the 13th leading cause of death in the United States
• Half of all persons with untreated abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) die of rupture within five years
• Aneurysms that have a diameter of 5 cm or are growing at a rapid rate and have a significant risk of rupture.

What are the symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

• 3/4 of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)s are have no symptoms and are only found on routine examinations. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)'s are often referred to as a "silent killer" because rupture may occur before diagnosis.
• Possible symptoms include:
• pulsating abdominal mass
• low back, flank, abdominal and groin pain.