General Information About Aneurysm
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the ballooning outward and changing of shape of the vessel wall from a point where it has thinned and weakened. It is most commonly seen in the abdominal aorta (Abdominal Aorta) and brain vessels (Cerebral Aneurysm).
Aneurysms generally cause no symptoms until they rupture. When the swollen vessel wall thins completely and bursts (rupture), it causes massive life-threatening internal bleeding or fatal brain hemorrhages within seconds.
Untreated high blood pressure, long-term smoking, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), and genetic vascular/connective tissue diseases lead to this condition by weakening the vessel wall.
It is usually found incidentally on Ultrasound or CT scans taken for another reason. To measure its diameter and the risk of rupture, Contrast CT Angiography or MR Angio is performed.
Small ones are closely monitored only with blood pressure medications. Those that reach a dangerous diameter are closed with a stent (EVAR/TEVAR/Coil) through an angiography procedure from the groin before they burst, or repaired by clipping during open heart/brain surgery.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
