Aneurysm
What it is?
An aneurysm is a focal thinning and bulging of the wall of an artery. While an aneurysm can affect any blood vessel in the body, some of the common sites affected are the arteries of the brain (cerebral aneurysms), the aorta (aortic aneurysms), the popliteal artery (peripheral aneurysms), the splenic and renal arteries (visceral aneurysms). Cerebral aneurysms are generally managed by a Neurosurgeon, while other aneurysms are generally managed by a Vascular Surgeon.
What are the risks?
Aneurysms are often silent as they grow to a size large enough to cause serious complications. The most important risk is of rupture and internal bleeding. Most aneurysms have a build up of clot inside and this clot can at times break off and cause blockage of other arteries beyond. Aneurysms can also sometimes cause symptoms due to pressure on adjacent structures.
How is it diagnosed?
Since most aneurysms are silent, they are often diagnosed by chance, on imaging done for other reasons. If an aneurysm is suspected, usually a CT scan of the region is requested to confirm its presence.
How is it treated?
There are many variables that can influence how an aneurysm is treated. There really is no medicine that one can take to treat an aneurysm although measures such as good blood pressure control and smoking cessation may help retard its growth and prevent complications. Some aneurysms are detected early and are small enough to manage with close observation rather than surgical treatment. Surgical options consist of minimally invasive catheter based procedures such as stenting or coil embolization and open surgical repair.
An aneurysm is a focal thinning and bulging of the wall of an artery. While an aneurysm can affect any blood vessel in the body, some of the common sites affected are the arteries of the brain (cerebral aneurysms), the aorta (aortic aneurysms), the popliteal artery (peripheral aneurysms), the splenic and renal arteries (visceral aneurysms). Cerebral aneurysms are generally managed by a Neurosurgeon, while other aneurysms are generally managed by a Vascular Surgeon.
What are the risks?
Aneurysms are often silent as they grow to a size large enough to cause serious complications. The most important risk is of rupture and internal bleeding. Most aneurysms have a build up of clot inside and this clot can at times break off and cause blockage of other arteries beyond. Aneurysms can also sometimes cause symptoms due to pressure on adjacent structures.
How is it diagnosed?
Since most aneurysms are silent, they are often diagnosed by chance, on imaging done for other reasons. If an aneurysm is suspected, usually a CT scan of the region is requested to confirm its presence.
How is it treated?
There are many variables that can influence how an aneurysm is treated. There really is no medicine that one can take to treat an aneurysm although measures such as good blood pressure control and smoking cessation may help retard its growth and prevent complications. Some aneurysms are detected early and are small enough to manage with close observation rather than surgical treatment. Surgical options consist of minimally invasive catheter based procedures such as stenting or coil embolization and open surgical repair.