Abdominal aortic aneurysms: A 'silent killer' on the rise

June 22, 2009, DANVILLE – Studies indicate that up to 5 percent of the population over age 65 suffer some form of aneurysm. And, a Geisinger expert said the problem could worsen in the coming years.

“In the past 30 years, the occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysms has increased significantly,” said David Franklin, M.D., chief of Vascular Surgery for Geisinger Health System. “It now accounts for about 15,000 deaths each year.”

An AAA occurs when the large blood vessel that supplies blood to the abdomen, pelvis and legs becomes abnormally large or balloons outward. If the condition goes undetected, the aortic wall will continue weakening and the aneurysm will grow until it ruptures. The situation is usually fatal as a result of massive internal bleeding.

The condition often is detected when tests are conducted for unrelated reasons, Dr. Franklin said.

This condition affects as many as 5 to 7 percent of people over the age of 60, with males four times more likely to experience this condition than females. Approximately one in every 250 people over the age of 50 will die of AAA.

Geisinger Medical Center in Danville and Geisinger Wyoming Valley in Wilkes-Barre offer certified vascular labs and have board-certified, fellowship-trained vascular surgeons who are able to perform and read these important tests.

Medicare, recognizing the importance of AAA screening, recently extended its coverage to include a one-time AAA ultrasound screening as part of its Welcome to Medicare physical.

“Early detection and diagnosis allows us to treat these aneurysms before they become a life-threatening problem for patients,” Dr. Franklin said.