What is an Aneurysm (or Aneurism)?

     An aneurysm is a localized dilation of a blood vessel that is typically caused by, but not limited to, high blood pressure and other similar diseases. The arteries are the part of the circulatory system that deliver oxygen rich blood to different parts of the body.  Due to a weakened area of the arterial wall, standard blood pressure causes this area to expand from the blood vessel, causing an aneurysm.  Since the wall is weakened and becoming weaker due to the constant pressure blood flow has put on it, it creates the potential for an internal rupture, or burst of the blood vessel.  It can also cause dissection, or a split in multiple layers of the arterial wall.  Bursting and dissection cause severe internal bleeding.  Both results of an aneurysm can be, and often are, fatal.

     When the standard aneurysm symptoms begin to develop, there are a number of tests doctors will typically perform to find the location and severity of the aneurysm, including a CT scan, ultrasound, and angiography.  People over the age of 60 should be screened anually for any abnormalities if they have a family history of aneurysms. 

     There are numerous aneurysm symptoms, primarily depending on the type of aneurysm you have.  Anuerysms are typically classified by the location of the dilation and which blood vessel it is present in.   Most of the common aneurysm symptoms incude pain in the localized area of the dilation (sharp pain if it ruptures or dissects), a strong pulsing sensation, and the potential for shock, fainting, and blood clot development.

Mayo Clinic Study on Brain Aneurysms

     One risk involved with an aneurysm is that a rupture leads to a drop in blood pressure and rapid heart rate.  It also can lead to lightheadednesshigh cholesterol.  The risk of death is high from an aneurysm.  Risk factors for aneurysms include obesity, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcoholism, and copper deficiency. and

     Cranial aneurysms have two treatment options.  Surgical clipping consists of exposing the aneurysm and closing the base of the aneurysm with a clip.  Endovascular coiling involves passing a catheter into a femoral artery located in the groin, through the aorta, into the brain arteries, and then into the aneurysm.  The platinum coils are pushed into the aneurysm and it this point they are released.  The coils begin a clotting reaction within the aneurysm which will hopefully eliminate the aneurysm.

      An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel, and is dangerous because it may burst.  The aorta, which is the main artery that leads away from the heart, can sometimes develop an aneurysm.  It can be detected by by x-ray or by echocardiography , MRI, or computed tomography CT scan.  An aortic aneurysm can be treated surgically by suing a patch or artificial piece of blood vessel which is sewn where the aneurysm ocurred in order to strengthen the aorta so it does not burst again.