Symptoms of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Most abdominal aortic aneurysms are often discovered when abdominal ultrasounds and/or CT scan studies are ordered for other conditions. When they produce symptoms, the most common symptom is pain. The pain typically has a deep quality and is felt most prominently in the middle of the abdomen and possibly radiating to the back. The pain is usually steady but may be relieved by changing position. You may also become aware of an abnormally prominent abdominal pulsation.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm can remain asymptomatic or produce mild to moderate symptoms for years. However, a rapidly expanding abdominal aneurysm can cause sudden onset of severe, steady, and worsening middle abdominal and back pain. An expanding aneurysm is also at imminent risk of rupture. Actual rupture of an abdominal aneurysm can cause sudden onset of back and abdominal pain, sometimes associated with abdominal distension, a pulsating abdominal mass, and even shock (severe low blood pressure due to massive blood loss).