Two years ago my husband’s sister had a sonogram to check out a possible gynecological problem. What the doctor discovered was an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) already large enough for mandatory surgery.
Her surgeon advised her to notify any siblings to have a sonogram. The unexpected result of my husband’s examination stunned us. He, too, had an abdominal aortic aneurysm!
My husband discussed with the doctor how to proceed. During the discussion he and his sister were signed up to participate in the Webster Aneurysm Study as a sibling pair. This doctor’s knowledge about the aneurysm and the hereditary factor saved my husband’s life.
This type of aneurysm is genetic. If a parent or sibling has had an aortic aneurysm, all siblings and offspring should be examined. We have been advised that our son must be tested when he is 50 and continue to have a sonogram every five years.
AAAs have been found to occur more frequently in males than in females. The cause of aneurysms is unknown, although several risk factors–notably hypertension, smoking and atherosclerosis–could possibly contribute to the development and growth of AAAs.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms are silent and usually deadly if not discovered before they rupture. But ruptures are preventable with continued use of ultrasonography and CT scanning.
Perhaps doctors should consider including “family history of aneurysms” in their new patient forms. It could save lives.
