Name of the Condition

• Aneurysm of Iliac Artery
• Medical term: Iliac artery aneurysm

Summary

An aneurysm of the iliac artery is a bulging or ballooning of the vascular wall in part of the iliac artery, which is located in the pelvis. This condition can lead to serious complications if not treated, such as rupture or pressure on surrounding structures.

Causes

• The exact cause may be unclear, but it often relates to factors that weaken the artery wall, such as atherosclerosis.
• Genetic predisposition and connective tissue disorders may also contribute.

Risk Factors

• Increasing age, particularly over 60
• Male gender
• Family history of aneurysms
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Smoking

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic when small.
• As it expands, symptoms may include pelvic or lower back pain, leg weakness or numbness, or a pulsing mass in the abdomen.

Diagnosis

• Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI to visualize the aneurysm.
• Physical examination: Physical signs might be detected by a healthcare provider.

Treatment Options

• Surgical repair: Open surgery or endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to reinforce or replace the damaged artery section.
• Monitoring: Regular imaging if the aneurysm is small and not causing symptoms.
• Medications: Blood pressure medications might be prescribed to reduce the risk of rupture.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Regular follow-up with imaging to monitor the aneurysm's size, especially if untreated.
• The prognosis can be favorable if detected early and treated before complications arise.

Complications

• Rupture leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
• Compression of surrounding nerves or organs.
• Risk of clot formation leading to embolism.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Quit smoking to improve vascular health.
• Maintain a healthy diet to manage blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Regular aerobic exercise and weight management.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention for sudden intense pain in the back or abdomen, fainting, or signs of shock, which may indicate an aneurysm rupture.

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association heart.org
• Society for Vascular Surgery vascular.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate capture of unilateral or bilateral nature if specified.
• Verify with imaging reports for precise documentation and coding.
• Distinguish from other types of aneurysms to avoid miscoding.