as of September 6, 2010
Aneurysm Corner
OVERVIEW
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:
-Aorta (the major artery from the heart)
-Brain (cerebral aneurysm)
-Leg (popliteal artery aneurysm)
-Intestine (mesenteric artery aneurysm)
-Splenic artery aneurysm
CAUSES/RISK FACTORS
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.
CARE/TREATMENT
Surgery is generally recommended. The timing and indications for surgery differ depending on the type of aneurysm.
Some people are candidates for endovascular stent repair. A stent is a tiny tube used to prop open a vessel. This procedure can be done with a major cut, so you recover faster than you would with open surgery. Not all patients with aneurysms are candidates for stenting, however.
PREVENTION
Control of high blood pressure may help prevent some aneurysms. Control of all risk factors associated with atherosclerotic disease (diet, exercise, cholesterol control) may help prevent aneurysms or their complications.
Real Stories, Expert Advice
Health Corner Videos: Aneurysm
Jim Craig: Heart & Vascular Disease
As goalie for the United States hockey team in 1980, Jim Craig faced one of the toughest foes playing against the Soviet Union. Today Jim and his family have faced different adversaries – heart and vascular disease – and he's striving...
Resources
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
American Society of Interventional & Therapeutic Neuroradiology
MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Aneurysm
American Heart Association
The Brain Aneurysm Foundation
In the News: Aneurysm
International Study Led By VA-Harvard Physician Yields Insight On Risks From Fatty Arteries
Mon, 06 Sep 2010 05:00:00 PDT
http://mnt.to/f/3JmY
An international study of clinical data led by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)-Harvard University cardiologist found that patients with deposits of fatty plaque in their arteries are at especially high risk for life-threatening cardiovascular events if they have diabetes, disease in multiple arteries or a history of heart attack or stroke...
What's Causing Life-Threatening Blood Clots Following Brain Surgery?
Sat, 04 Sep 2010 01:00:00 PDT
http://mnt.to/f/3Jkg
One of the most severe complications of brain surgery is a life-threatening blood clot in the lungs called a pulmonary embolism. But a Loyola University Health System study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery suggests that screening methods hospitals typically use to access the risk of pulmonary embolisms may fall short...