An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. Some common locations for aneurysms include:
It is not clear exactly what causes aneurysms. Defects in some of the parts of the artery wall may be responsible. In certain cases (abdominal aortic aneurysms), high blood pressure is thought to be a contributing factor. Some aneurysms are congenital (present at birth).
Atherosclerotic disease (cholesterol buildup in arteries) may contribute to the formation of certain types of aneurysms. Pregnancy is often associated with the formation and rupture of aneurysms of the splenic artery (an artery leading to the spleen).
Symptoms:
The symptoms vary depending on the location of the aneurysm. Swelling with a throbbing mass at the site of an aneurysm is often seen if it occurs near the body surface. Aneurysms within the body or brain often have no symptoms
In the case of rupture, low blood pressure, high heart rate, and lightheadedness may occur. The risk of death after a rupture is high.
Signs and tests:
Physical exam, ultrasound examination, and CT scan are used to evaluate aneurysms.
Review Date: 7/14/2006
Reviewed By: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Complex Aortic Surgery, General Neurosurgery
