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Acute aortic occlusion ( AAO ) is a rare and serious condition where the aorta , the main blood vessel from the heart supplying the lower body , gets blocked . This sudden blockage can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical attention .

What is Acute Aortic Occlusion ? Dr . Ismazizi Zaharudin , a Consultant Vascular Surgeon at Institut Jantung Negara ( IJN ), explains that AAO may occur suddenly , and it can last up to 2 weeks . Symptoms that last longer are considered chronic . Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment .

Symptoms and Causes The main causes of AAO are embolism , where a blood clot travels and blocks the aorta , and thrombosis , and clot forms in the aorta itself due to plaque buildup . These blockages can happen at the point where the aorta splits into the arteries supplying the legs , known as the aortic bifurcation . Atherosclerosis , the thickening or hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup , is a major risk factor . Individuals with high cholesterol , high blood pressure , smoking , diabetes , obesity , and a sedentary lifestyle , will have a tougher challenge for recovery .

Patients with AAO typically experience sudden severe pain in the lower limbs , paralysis , and changes in skin color , indicating reduced blood flow . The affected limbs are colder and paler in comparison . If untreated , this can lead to gangrene ( tissue death ), and possibly requiring amputation .

Risk Factors and Complications

People with a history of atherosclerosis , blood disorders , or from recent major surgery are at higher risk . For embolism , factors like heart valve disease and females in particular are at higher probability of risk . For thrombosis ; smoking , diabetes , hypertension , obesity , and sometimes blunt abdominal trauma are significant risk factors .

Complications of AAO comes in the form of kidney failure , gastrointestinal issues , and spinal cord damage leading to paralysis . Timely intervention is crucial to prevent severe outcomes , including limb loss and systemic infections .

Prevention and Management AAO can be treated effectively if detected early . Patients with high cholesterol , diabetes , hypertension , or other related conditions should be particularly vigilant . Managing stress is also important as it can worsen heart disease risk factors . The mortality rate for AAO varies widely , from 25 % to 75 %.

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