Symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm may include a pulsating abdominal mass with rhythmic throbbing. However, there are often no symptoms.

Symptoms of rupture:

• Pulsating sensation in the abdomen
• Pain in the abdomen
  • Severe, sudden, persistent or constant
  • Not colicky or spasmodic
  • May radiate to groin, buttocks, or legs
  • May begin suddenly
• Abdominal rigidity
• Pain in the lower back
  • Severe, sudden, persistent
  • May radiate
• Paleness
• Rapid pulse
• Dry skin/mouth
• Excessive thirst
• Anxiety
• Nausea and vomiting
• Light-headedness with upright posture
• Fainting with upright posture
• Excessive sweating
• Clammy skin
• Fatigue (tiredness or weariness)
• Heartbeat sensations
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) when rising to standing position
• Impaired ability to concentrate
• Shock
• Abdominal mass

Note: Aneurysms may develop slowly over many years and often have no symptoms. If an aneurysm expands rapidly, tears open (ruptured aneurysm), or blood leaks along the wall of the vessel (aortic dissection), the above symptoms may develop suddenly.

Your health care provider may listen to your abdomen with a stethoscope (auscultation). If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm, there will be a "blowing" murmur over the aorta or a "whooshing" sound (bruit).

The health care provider will also perform a physical examination of your abdomen. If a rupture is suspected, he or she may also conduct an examination for signs of blood loss (hypovolemia) and an evaluation of lower extremity pulses and circulation.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm may be diagnosed with these tests:

• Abdominal X-ray
• Abdominal ultrasound
• MRI of abdomen
• CT scan of abdomen
• Angiography of aorta

A CBC may indicate loss of blood.