I was diagnosed with celiac artery aneurysm June 3, 2017. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in 2005, underwent a resection in my ilium 2009 and have been on Humira since. I have just joined this forum because I understand how rare CAA is and wonder if it has to do with the Crohn's as well as the Humira. Any insight would be appreciated.

Hello @kespectrum,

My sincere apologies for the tardy welcome! We're so glad that you've joined us in this group on Connect.

As you point out celiac artery aneurysm is very rare. But given that the celiac artery is the first major branch of the abdominal aorta, I thought you might appreciate the introduction to a few members who have recently been talking about living with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Please let me introduce you to @janetpomponio @kdh1 @playsdixie @elsinann and @lynnkay1956. You may also wish to read this older and ongoing discussion http://mayocl.in/1WX0ypo

With regards to Crohn's disease and Humira, I would encourage you to view Mayo Clinic's Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) blog: http://ibdblog.mayoclinic.org

@barens2 @guener @jewel8888 @jay_baruch @chicagomichelle do you have any thoughts about Humira and any links to CAA?

Could use some feedback from anyone familiar with celiac artery aneurysm...I had my post-hospitalization follow up visit with the surgeon who said my latest CT scan showed a decrease in the size of the aneurysm (good news!) however, he downplayed the seriousness of the condition, saying that within their surgical practice they have seen celiac artery aneurysms and not to be concerned. My online research has shown it to be a rare condition, and not to treat lightly. Where can I find a balance of facts?? Anybody have any suggestions?

Hi, i was diagnosed with a 2cm celiac artery aneurysm 4 years ago. Im 57.

It is definately hard to find any recent research. I am going in this morning for my biannual CT angiogram, hoping that it hasnt grown. I was so glad to find this board because of its rarity and how its presence seems to linger in the back of my mind. I live in Utah so i had to go to Mayo once it was discovered. Originally it was for surgery because 2cm is the size which intervention is needed. They then said that it was only 1.4 cm wide and 2cm long, so i went on the watch and weight program.

Its not a diagnosis that sits well. They say that since there is not that many cases the data of rupture is just not available, but that the science behind the wall pressure and such makes watching less of a risk.

I dont get pain that often, but when i do its always a uneasy feeling and reminder when you know that the mortality rate if ruptured is high.

So, i guess we are just a special group of humans that must take life as a precious gift regularly. And do our follow-up as needed. Like i said, its been over 4 years and my lil guy hasnt grown at all, so maybe it never will and ill live to be a crotchety old man.

Warm regards,
Chris McArdle

Thank you so much for your reply. It helps to know at least one other person has the same issue. I'm glad to hear your not having additional issues. I go back for follow up CT in December. After 4 months from onset there was significant remodeling so my artery is only about 15% reduced compared to original scan. They now say I could have a stint if needed instead of surgery. So we will see what time brings. I try not to think about it too much since I really can't do anything to effect the outcome anyway. Just live my life as best I can.

Good luck and continued Health.

Hi @onemind711,

My sincere apologies for the tardy response, but somehow your post slipped past! I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Connect, and thank you for sharing your story.
I really do like the phrase, "special group of people" because you and the Connect community are exactly that: a special group of people who have each other to share with, learn from and find support.

You may be interested in reading this recently published study and case report about celiac artery aneurysms: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5348600/

@onemind711, what do you do to get relief from the pain when it occurs? Only if you would like to share, may I ask if about your most recent appointment?

In my case the pain has not come back since the initial onset and discovery. They gave me some morphine and after that it was gone. I had a small amount of discomfort for about a week and then nothing more. They put me on blood pressure medicine so now they only want me to take acetaminophen instead of aspirin. It never seemed to do anything for me prior to this and I previously used aspirin. It seems to be working OK for headaches and such. My last CT showed significant remodeling. so instead of having 80% of the artery swollen and possible blocked its down to 10-15%. They now say they can put in a stint if needed where prior to this the only option was surgery. Follow up CT in December.

As of May 2018, there have been no changes. The aneurysm is stable, and the pain level is minimum and not consistent. I get like a shockey twingy pain under my lower right rib. I was told by my doctor at Mayo, that the pain if it ruptured would definitely be bad since it is so near my spine. In other words I would know right away if it ruptured.

My apologies as well for not replying sooner, but I lost this thread until today when I was seeing if there's any further studies

In 2008 a ct showed what several radiologists though was an aneurism in my stomach. One doctor didn’t agree it was an aneurism so he did an angigram and then I was diagnosed with median accurate ligament disease. The doctors would not touch it because it was rare. Last years I had a blocked small intestine, and then was diagnosed with gastroparesis. It is one thing after another with such pain with eating. I am very frustrated that no one will offer to surgically release this artery. Maybe when the appendage attached to this artery bursts someone will do something unless I am gone. It is so frustrating because no one understands.

aneurysm. Usually aneurysms are ot removed until they are 2mm or greater.