Celiac Artery Aneurysm: Anyone else with same illness?

Update... I saw a Vascular Surgeon here in Tulsa about 2 months ago who said the CAA was calcified and represented a very low risk of causing any issues. He told me- Don't Smoke, Walk 30 minutes a day no Heavy Lifting, Control Blood Pressure, take my Statin and don't worry about it. He said once per year on my scheduled CAT Scans they would monitor. Funny, it made me feel better. Funny I say becuse the thing being calcified is supposedly a good thing, but in general calcification in my anteries most assuredly is a bad thing. I'm going to Phoenix in May and may seek a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic.

Thanks for the update ! I am also seeking a second opinion and continue having an annual scan to track the size of my CAA. Thankfully mine is essentially the same size as it was ( 1.48 CM) as it was when it was first discovered 8 years ago. My vascular surgeon has given me similar advice and believes that I may never need surgical intervention as it is likely that it will stay below 2 cm based on my 8 year history.

I live in Lexington ky, near UK. I have only had this addressed by my Gastroenterologist. It was found about 1 yr ago, but due to other illnesses, I have just started research.

Hi Everyone, I was also diagnosed with an aneurysm in my celiac artery. Mine is 1.8 x 2.8 cm. The surgeon seems to think that I should keep waiting and closely monitor it. My next appointment is May 10, which is 3 months after my last CT scan. He brought up the coil surgery. From everything I read the surgery usually goes well. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts about it.

I read an article that said that ruptures were rare after diagnosis. The article talked about a study of 26 cases. Eight of the patients did not have surgery. In one case surgery was recommended but the patient refused. It said that he died 5 years later when the artery ruptured.

Hello. I’m new here. My celiac artery aneurysm is 2cm. I was diagnosed recently and my vascular surgeon advised that I will likely require an open surgical procedure as opposed to a stent. At this time I’m still having more CT scans and working with a cardiologist as I must be cleared by him first. When I first heard the work aneurysm I panicked as my mom died of an aortic aneurysm rupture. Sometimes I feel like I’m walking around with a time bomb. I’ve been trying to find information as to things to avoid, i.e foods, activities etc. Thank you for reading.

I am responding to AuntBrenda44. I understand your fear, especially with your mom having passed from an aortic rupture. It is good that your celiac aneurysm has been discovered and the steps for treatment have begun. Treatments and imaging have advanced a long way. It sounds like your Docs are approaching carefully. I hope that your surgery goes smoothly and you can approach activity without fear, but informed. I think, and others correct me if I am wrong, the general rule of thumbs is keeping the blood pressure under control. This includes resistive lifting, medication, and general stress. Your docs should be able to guide you with more direct parameters specific to you. Not all aneurysms are created equal. I hope this helps. Open discussion allows us to vent, which helps relieve a bit of stress. Good luck with your procedure and be positive!

Hello @auntbrenda44

I would like to welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect, where patients like us can give and receive support. I would also like to invite @dkmullins68, @mike9560, and @bdickinson666 to join this discussion with you as they have dealt with a similar condition.

I congratulate you for taking this matter seriously and for pursuing help to treat it. Since your mother had an aneurysm you know how important it is to treat it.

Did your doctor indicate why you would need the open surgery rather than the stent? Is it based on the size or location?

Dear Teresa, thank you very much for your welcome and response to my post. I sincerely appreciate your kindness. I am embarrassed to say that at the time that I met with the vascular surgeon my mind was all over the place and I did not ask about the reason for an open procedure rather than a stent. I suspect that it may be due to my BMI. It was explained to me that the invasive procedure will eradicate the aneurysm rather than a stent. Of course I intend to discuss this with the doctor. Very anxious to have it done and start recuperating. I was told it would likely be a 6-8 week recovery, something I am not looking forward to as I am sure no one is. I am hopeful that I will be cleared for surgery by the end of this month and be on schedule. Thank you again.

Dear @upartist my sincere gratitude for your response to my post. I greatly appreciate your advise and kindness and positivity. My best wishes.