Bhubaneswar: Trilochana Jena, a 62-year-old man complained of chronic back pain for the past two months and was brought to BR Life Kalinga Super specialty Hospital, one of the leading hospitals in Bhubaneswar for consultation. The preliminary diagnosis and the CT scan revealed that his central aorta (aorta sends blood from the heart to the rest of body) size had increased to 7cmfrom the normal size of 2.5cm. An increase in the size beyond 5cm can pose risk to rapture the aorta. A thoracic aortic aneurysm can lead to a tear in the artery wall and cause life-threatening internal bleeding. The larger the aneurysm, the greater the risk of rupture.
Trilochana, upon diagnosis, was immediately referred to Dr. Karunakara Padhy, Director CTVS at BR Life Kalinga Super specialty Hospital, where the doctor in order to prevent the aneurysm from growing further and intervening before it ruptures, performed excision of thoracic aneurysm and replacement with synthetic graft.
Speaking about the treatment Dr. Karunakara Padhy said, “At the time of diagnosis, Trilochana who complained of severe back pain was presented with Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm and Coronary Block. At first, we managed coronary block with medicines and after the patient was fine, we performed open heart surgery with Aorta Bypass using a heart-lung machine that maintained circulation of blood while we performed excision of thoracic aneurysm and replacement with synthetic graft. The surgery lasted for 7 hours. The patient has recovered now and will be able to lead a normal life; however he has to maintain a good blood pressure control and should avoid heavy weightlifting.”
The conditions such as Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), excessive smoking, chronic or untreated high blood pressure or congenital abnormality have the potential to weaken the wall of the vessel, allowing it to dilate or balloon out over time.
Speaking about how to recognise Aorta Aneurysm Dr. Manjinder Bhatti, Medical Superintendent, BR Life Kalinga Super Specialty Hospital said, “Aneurysms usually do not cause symptoms until they get quite large. They are often found during clinical examinations for a different medical condition. When they are large enough to cause symptoms, the patient may notice chest or back pain, palpitations, fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath. Sudden severe back pain that feels like the worst pain anyone has ever had, is usually a sign of a tear or rupture and is an extreme medical emergency. If any of the symptoms are witnessed, the patient needs to be rushed to the hospital to save his/her life on time.”
Thanking the doctors and the hospital for saving his life Trilochana Jena said, “I ignored the back pain thinking it’s owing to my age. However, I am fortunate to have visited the hospital on time and got treated before it was too late. I am thankful to the doctors and the other staff members who supported me and took care of me during my hospital stay.”
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