An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsIt is not clear exactly what causes aneurysms. Some aneurysms are present at birth (congenital). Defects in some of the parts of the artery wall may be responsible.
Common locations for aneurysms include:
High blood pressure and high cholesterol may raise your risk of certain types of aneurysms. High blood pressure is thought to play a role in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Atherosclerotic disease (cholesterol buildup in arteries) may also lead to the formation of some aneurysms.
Pregnancy is often linked to the formation and rupture of splenic artery aneurysms.
SymptomsThe symptoms depend on the location of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm occurs near the body's surface, pain and swelling with a throbbing mass is often seen.
Aneurysms within the body or brain often cause no symptoms.
If an aneurysm ruptures, low blood pressure, high heart rate, and lightheadedness may occur. The risk of death after a rupture is high.
Signs and testsThe health care provider will perform a physical exam.
Tests used to diagnose an aneurysm include:
Surgery is generally recommended. The type of surgery and when you need it depends on your symptoms and the size and type of aneurysm.
Some patients may have endovascular stent repair. A stent is a tiny tube used to prop open a vessel or reinforce it's wall. . This procedure can be done without a major cut, so you recover faster than you would with open surgery. Not all patients with aneurysms are candidates for stenting, however. See: Endovascular embolization
Expectations (prognosis)With successful surgical repair, the outlook is often excellent.
ComplicationsThe main complications of aneurysm include:
Massive bleeding is commonly seen with abdominal aortic aneurysms, mesenteric artery aneurysms, and splenic artery aneurysms.
Rupture of brain aneurysms can cause stroke, disability, and death. For more information, see: Cerebral aneurysm
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider for if you develop a lump on your body, whether or not it is painful and throbbing.
PreventionControl of high blood pressure may help prevent some aneurysms. Following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level may also help prevent aneurysms or their complications.
ReferencesIsselbacher EM. Diseases of the aorta. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 78.
Zivin JA. Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 432.
Hauser SC. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 146.
An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery due to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel.
See also:
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsIt is not clear exactly what causes aneurysms. Some aneurysms are present at birth (congenital). Defects in some of the parts of the artery wall may be responsible.
Common locations for aneurysms include:
High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cigarette smoking may raise your risk of certain types of aneurysms. High blood pressure is thought to play a role in abdominal aortic aneurysms. Atherosclerotic disease (cholesterol buildup in arteries) may also lead to the formation of some aneurysms.
Pregnancy is often linked to the formation and rupture of splenic artery aneurysms.
SymptomsThe symptoms depend on the location of the aneurysm. If the aneurysm occurs near the body's surface, pain and swelling with a throbbing mass is often seen.
Aneurysms within the body or brain often cause no symptoms.
If an aneurysm ruptures, pain, low blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and lightheadedness may occur. The risk of death after a rupture is high.
Signs and testsThe health care provider will perform a physical exam.
Tests used to diagnose an aneurysm include:
Surgery is generally recommended. The type of surgery and when you need it depends on your symptoms and the size and type of aneurysm.
Some patients may have endovascular stent repair. A stent is a tiny tube used to prop open a vessel or reinforce it's wall. . This procedure can be done without a major cut, so you recover faster than you would with open surgery. Not all patients with aneurysms are candidates for stenting, however. See: Endovascular embolization
Expectations (prognosis)With successful surgical repair, the outlook is often excellent.
ComplicationsThe main complications of aneurysm include:
Massive bleeding is commonly seen with abdominal aortic aneurysms, mesenteric artery aneurysms, and splenic artery aneurysms.
Rupture of brain aneurysms can cause stroke, disability, and death. For more information, see: Cerebral aneurysm
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider for if you develop a lump on your body, whether or not it is painful and throbbing.
PreventionControl of high blood pressure may help prevent some aneurysms. Following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and keeping your cholesterol at a healthy level may also help prevent aneurysms or their complications.
Do not smoke. If you do, quitting will lower your risk of an aneurysm.
ReferencesIsselbacher EM. Diseases of the aorta. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 78.
Zivin JA. Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 432.
Hauser SC. Vascular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 146.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/13/2010
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
An aneurysm 10mm or under is considered a small aneurysm
I have an aneurysm of the leg
Aneurysmectomy is surgical removal of an aneurysm.
Repair of the aneurysm will provide normal blood flow to the systemic circulation. Pain associated with the aneurysm will be relieved by the repair. The risk of aneurysm rupture will be eliminated.
Although it is much more likely for the elderly to have an aneurysm than for children to have such an ailment, it is possible.
No, it will not pay. An aneurysm is not an accident.
Can I have facials anD massages after a brain aneurysm
It depends on where the aneurysm is located. The aneurysm is a bulge in an arteriole blood vessel and will not cause damage itself unless it bursts.
The clown had an ANEURYSM while I was dancing with him. An aneurysm is not to be confused with a tumor.
sacculated aneurysm or a saclike bulging on one side of an artery. Syn: ampullary aneurysm.
Words that rhyme with aneurysm include: abysm cataclysm paroxysm
Aneurysm - song - was created on 1991-12-28.