An abdominal aortic aneurysm may cause gastrointestinal bleeding requiring emergency surgery. Unfortunately, that surgery itself may produce even more potentially fatal internal hemorrhaging.
Identification
A leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm GI (gastrointestinal) bleed is a phrase that may be utilized for two separate issues relating to aneurysms in the stomach area. A layman may refer to it as such to describe a bleeding aneurysm that demands immediate surgery. A second use of this phrase can indicate a condition where bleeding occurs after surgery.
Significance
A dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a split that occurs in the wall of the artery, causing a leakage of blood throughout the abdomen. As the condition continues to tear tissue, a rupture may occur. Either condition is potentially fatal.
Warning
Nearly half of all patients with a ruptured AAA die from bleeding before reaching the hospital. "Even with surgery, there is 50 to 70 percent mortality rate associated with a ruptured AAA," according to the University of Southern California's Center for Vascular Care.
Features
An aortoenteric fistula is a rare but often fatal condition that occurs when surgery to repair an aneurysm or other vascular condition brings on gastrointestinal bleeding.
Considerations
Dr. Mark Tseng of the Brooklyn Veteran's Administration Hospital says that an aortoenteric fistula is 100 percent fatal without additional surgery. It occurs in as many as 2 percent of patients who undergo repair for an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Tags: abdominal aortic aneurysm, abdominal aortic, aortic aneurysm, aortic aneurysm, aortoenteric fistula, gastrointestinal bleeding, potentially fatal