The symptoms of an aneurysm of the abdominal aorta include back
pain, diarrhoea or a sensation of a pulsating lump in the abdomen. If a
patient suspects that he has such a swelling he must see his doctor as this
condition can be successfully treated surgically. If a large aneurysm is
untreated it may burst and the risk of death is high. Some aneurysms are
never found before they rupture; doctors are, therefore, encouraged to
examine the abdomens of patients over the age of 50 for swellings.
A popliteal aneurysm usually feels like a pulsating lump behind the
knee and can occasionally cause pain. If this is ignored the artery can thrombose and the leg may have to be amputated. If it is reported to the doctor
a simple bypass can be performed to avoid this danger