Abdominal Masses: Vascular

Summary

The diagnosis, workup, and treatment of vascular abdominal masses have been presented in this chapter. A basic understanding of abdominal anatomy and physiology greatly assists in the evaluation of a patient with a vascular abdominal mass. Classifying the mass anatomically, based on etiology and clinical course, greatly helps in the understanding of the problem and type of intervention necessary to facilitate proper therapy. The diagnosis and treatment of vascular abdominal masses frequently requires input from several medical and surgical specialists. In addition to primary care specialists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, general surgeons, surgical oncologists, gynecologists, radiologists, infectious disease specialists, urologists, and vascular surgeons often contribute in the management of a patient with a vascular abdominal mass. The overall prognosis of a patient with a vascular abdominal mass depends on the nature of the mass, the timing of the diagnosis, and the overall condition of the patient. Elective intervention, whether medical or surgical, generally is better than delayed or emergent intervention.