Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a localized, blood-filled balloon-likebulge in the wall of a blood vessel.[1] Aneurysms

can occur in any blood vessel, with examples including aneurysms of the Circle of Willis in the
brain, aortic aneurysms affecting the thoracic aorta, and abdominal aortic aneurysms. Aneurysms
can also occur within the heart.
As an aneurysm increases in size, the risk of rupture increases.[2] A ruptured aneurysm can lead to
bleeding. Aneurysms are a result of a weakened blood vessel wall, and can be a result of a
hereditary condition or an acquired disease. Aneurysms can also be a nidus for clot formation
(thrombosis) and embolization. The word is fromGreek: , aneurysma, "dilation", from
, aneurynein, "to dilate".
Contents
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1Classification
o

1.1True and false aneurysms

1.2Morphology

1.3Location

2Signs and symptoms

o

2.1Cerebral aneurysm

2.2Abdominal aneurysm

2.3Renal (kidney) aneurysm

3Risk factors

4Pathophysiology

5Diagnosis

6Treatment
o

6.1Intracranial aneurysms

6.2Aortic and peripheral aneurysms

6.3Renal aneurysms

7Epidemiology
o

7.1Pediatric aneurysms

7.2Risk factors

8Notable cases

9References

10External links

Classification[edit]

Video explaining aneurysms

Aneurysms may be classified by type, morphology, or location.

True and false aneurysms[edit]

A true aneurysm is one that involves all three layers of the wall of an artery
(intima, media andadventitia). True aneurysms include atherosclerotic, syphilitic, and congenital
aneurysms, as well as ventricular aneurysms that follow transmural myocardial
infarctions(aneurysms that involve all layers of the attenuated wall of the heart are also considered
true aneurysms).[3]
A false aneurysm, or pseudoaneurysm, is a collection of blood leaking completely out of an artery or
vein, but confined next to the vessel by the surrounding tissue. This blood-filled cavity will eventually
form either thrombose (clot) enough to seal the leak, or rupture out of the surrounding tissue. [3]:357
Pseudoaneurysms can be caused by trauma that punctures the artery, such as knife and bullet
wounds,[4] as a result of percutaneous surgical procedures such as coronary angiography or arterial
grafting,[5] or use of an artery for injection.[6]

Morphology[edit]
Aneurysms can also be classified by their macroscopic shape and size, and are described as either
saccular or fusiform. The shape of an aneurysm is not specific for a specific disease. [3]:357

Saccular aneurysms are spherical in shape and involve only a portion of the vessel wall; they vary in
size from 5 to 20 cm (8 in) in diameter, and are often filled, either partially or fully, by athrombus.[3]:357
Fusiform aneurysms ("spindle-shaped" aneurysms) are variable in both their diameter and length;
their diameters can extend up to 20 cm (8 in). They often involve large portions of the ascending and
transverse aortic arch, the abdominal aorta, or less frequently the iliac arteries.[3]:357

Location[edit]
Aneurysms can also be classified by their location:

Arterial and venous, with arterial being more common.[citation needed]

The heart, including coronary artery aneurysms, ventricular aneurysms, aneurysm of sinus of
Valsalva, and aneurysms following cardiac surgery.

The aorta, namely aortic aneurysms includingthoracic aortic aneurysms and abdominal
aortic aneurysms.

The brain, including cerebral aneurysms, berry aneurysms, and CharcotBouchard

aneurysms.

The legs, including the popliteal arteries.[citation needed]

The kidney, including renal artery aneurysm and intraparechymal aneurysms.[7]

Capillaries, specifically capillary aneurysms.

Cerebral aneurysms, also known as intracranial or brain aneurysms, occur most commonly in
theanterior cerebral artery, which is part of the circle of Willis. This can cause severe strokes leading
to death. The next most common sites of cerebral aneurysm occurrence are in the internal carotid
artery.[8]

Signs and symptoms[edit]

Aneurysm presentation may range from life-threatening complications of hypovolemic shock to being
found incidentally on X-ray.[9] Symptoms will differ by the site of the aneurysm and can include:

Cerebral aneurysm[edit]
Main article: Cerebral aneurysm
Symptoms can occur when the aneurysm pushes on a structure in the brain. Symptoms will depend
on whether an aneurysm has ruptured or not. There may be no symptoms present at all until the
aneurysm ruptures.[10] For an aneurysm that has not ruptured the following symptoms can occur:

Fatigue

Loss of perception

Loss of balance

Speech problems

Double vision

For a ruptured aneurysm, symptoms of asubarachnoid hemorrhage may present:

Severe headaches

Loss of vision

Double vision

Neck pain and/or stiffness

Pain above and/or behind the eyes