Aneurysm (AN-u-rism) can be described as a localized dilation or widening of the blood vessels, more commonly of the arteries. Aneurysm results due to the weakening of the arterial wall. The artery bulges out at the weakened spot and form a blood filled, sac like structure. If the size of the aneurysm increases, it can rupture and cause hemorrhage. Aneurysm usually occurs in arteries and in places like, the abdomen, brain and chest. In general, aneurysm can be of two types, brain aneurysm and aortic aneurysm. When aneurysm develops in the aorta and the aorta bulges out at the site where the arterial wall weakens, it is known as aortic aneurysm. Aortic aneurysm more commonly takes place in the abdomen and the chest, and are known as abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aortic aneurysm respectively. The aneurysm symptoms depend on its location.
Aneurysm or aneurism (from Greek "dilating or widening," which is exactly what happens to a blood vessel when aneurysm occurs) is a balloon-like bulge in an artery. Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your body.
Arteries have thick walls to withstand normal blood pressure. However, certain medical problems, genetic conditions, and trauma can damage or injure artery walls. The force of blood pushing against the weakened or injured walls can cause an aneurysm.
An aneurysm can grow large and rupture (burst) or dissect. A rupture causes dangerous bleeding inside the body. A dissection is a split in one or more layers of the artery wall. The split causes bleeding into and along the layers of the artery wall.
Both rupture and dissection often are fatal.
An aneurysm can be compared to a blister, but one that occurs inside the body. While there are different types of aneurysm, the most common is cerebral. Cerebral or brain aneurysm occurs when the arteries that are responsible for supplying blood to the brain weaken.
The artery weakens, and as blood continues to flow through the weakened point, that section of the artery 'balloons' out. With continued pressure to the weakened area, the aneurysm may eventually burst, often causing dire consequences, such as stroke, brain death, or fatal loss of blood.
Rupture is not always fatal, however, and immediate treatment may save the patient's life. Surgery to clip the aneurysm or to insert a stint for blood flow may be indicated. This kind of surgery is said to be safe and effective and may be the best option to prevent future bleeding, water on the brain, and thinning of the arteries.
Most aneurysms occur in the aorta, the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. The aorta goes through the chest and abdomen.
An aneurysm that occurs in the chest portion of the aorta is called a thoracic (tho-RAS-ik) aortic aneurysm. An aneurysm that occurs in the abdominal portion of the aorta is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Aneurysms also can occur in other arteries, but these types of aneurysm are less common.
About 13,000 Americans die each year from aortic aneurysms. Most of the deaths result from rupture or dissection.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent rupture and dissection. However, aneurysms can develop and grow large before causing any symptoms. Thus, people who are at high risk for aneurysms can benefit from early, routine screening.
The causes of aneurysm are not known with certainty. Sometimes, aneurysm can be present at birth, which is known as congenital aneurysm. Aneurysm can be caused by illness or injury, but some people are genetically predisposed to aneurysm due to poor elasticity of their arteries. Many people on the other hand, can develop this condition later in their life. Several factors can raise the risk of developing aneurysm and such factors include, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, high level of serum cholesterol, trauma or injury, smoking and tobacco use, blood infection, old age, polycystic kidney disease, alcoholism, diabetes and a family history of aneurysm. Aneurysms develop wherever the pressure is the strongest, commonly in areas where blood vessels divide and branch off to other areas of the body.
The symptoms of aneurysm can differ significantly, depending on its location. As for example, the symptoms of brain aneurysm are different from the aortic aneurysm symptoms. In the case of small brain aneurysm, there may not be any discernible symptom, and the aneurysm can get detected during the tests and examinations carried out for another condition. Sometimes, a small amount of blood may leak from the aneurysm, in which case an individual can experience sudden and severe headache.
Aneurysms frequently go unnoticed since there may not be symptoms until a rupture occurs, or symptoms may mimic other conditions. Headaches are the most common symptom of cerebral aneurysm, but many people ignore headaches, or simply take an aspirin and lie down. If you experience neck pain, pain in the face, blurred vision, or difficulty talking along with intense headache, you should see your doctor immediately. Your doctor can examine you to rule out other problems and may advise an MRI or CT scan.
If an aneurysm is discovered, the doctor will recommend regular check ups to observe it, or suggest treatment if rupture is likely, based on the size and type of aneurysm. Treatment options may include medication to lower blood pressure, or surgery may be necessary, depending on the patient's overall health.
If the brain aneurysm rupture, then it can produce several symptoms. The most common ruptured brain aneurysm symptoms are, sudden and intense headaches, neck pain and stiffness, nausea and vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, drowsiness, speech impairment, confusion and seizures. On the other hand, a small unruptured brain aneurysm may not produce any symptoms. Occasionally, symptoms like, pain behind or above the eye, dilated pupil, double vision, numbness or weakness in one side of the face can be observed.
Aneurysm may also not exhibit any symptom in the early stage. Usually, symptoms can be observed when the aneurysm grows in size. A growing aneurysm in the abdomen or abdominal aortic aneurysm can cause pain near the navel, that can spread to the back as well. Other abdominal aortic aneurysm symptoms include, abdominal swelling, a pulsating sensation in the abdomen, nausea and vomiting and rapid heart rate.
Thoracic aortic aneurysm on the other hand, can cause chest and neck pain, back pain, difficulty in swallowing, coughing, hoarseness of voice, drooping eyelid and constricted pupil. Heart aneurysm is rare, but it can happen at times. It can occur within a few days following a major heart attack. The most common heart aneurysm symptoms are, chest pain, jaw pain, difficulty in breathing and pain in the arms.
The diagnostic procedures used for detecting aneurysm include, angiography, CT scan, MRI and echocardiography. As far as treatment is concerned, physicians may opt for the 'wait and watch approach', if the aortic aneurysm is too small. However, the aneurysm has to be monitored regularly to find out whether it is growing. If the aneurysm is large and growing, then surgery will be required for aneurysm treatment. If the aneurysm is in the abdomen, then physician can carry out open or endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.
For thoracic aortic aneurysm, surgery is recommended when the aneurysm is 2.2 inches or larger. Surgery can be recommended for smaller aneurysm as well, if the affected individual has 'Marfan syndrome' or a family history of aortic dissection. Brain aneurysm is also treated with surgery. Certain medications can also be required for brain aneurysm treatment, basically to relieve the symptoms of ruptured brain aneurysm. Such medications include, calcium channel blockers, anti-seizure medications, pain relievers, etc.
It may be possible to prevent aneurysm by controlling blood pressure and keeping the level of cholesterol at a healthy level. Following a healthy and balanced diet along with regular excises may too prove helpful in this regard.
Doctors often can successfully treat aortic aneurysms with medicines or surgery if they're found in time. Medicines may be given to lower blood pressure, relax blood vessels, and reduce the risk of rupture.
Large aortic aneurysms often can be repaired with surgery. During surgery, the weak or damaged portion of the aorta is replaced or reinforced.