Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a ballooning-out of the wall of an artery, vein or the heart due to weakening of the wall by disease, injury or an abnormality present at birth. Aneurysms are often caused or aggravated by high blood pressure.

Types of aneurysms include:

• Abdominal aortic--in an artery in the abdomen (mid-section)
  
• Thoracic aortic--in an artery in the chest area
  
• Cerebral--in a blood vessel in the brain
  
• Peripheral--in the large arteries that run down the legs and behind the knees

Although aneurysms are not always life- threatening, serious consequences such as a stroke can result if one bursts in the brain. This is called hemorrhagic stroke.

Symptoms
Most people are unaware that they have an aneurysm because in most cases, there are no symptoms. However, as aneurysms grow, symptoms may include pulsating enlargement or tender mass felt by a physician when performing a physical examination or pain in the back, abdomen or groin that may be mistaken for a kidney stone attack or a ruptured disc. Other common symptoms include impaired vision and headaches.

A ruptured aneurysm usually produces sudden, severe pain and other symptoms such as loss of consciousness or shock, depending on the location of the aneurysm and the amount of bleeding. A ruptured aneurysm requires emergency treatment.

Diagnosis
An aneurysm can be detected by several imaging techniques such as X-ray angiography, M.R.I. (magnetic resonance imaging), or computed tomography (C.T.). Although a small aneurysm will not cause symptoms, a doctor will want to check it regularly for signs of enlarging. The larger the aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst.

Treatment
Brain aneurysms are treated surgically. A metal clip is secured around the base of the aneurysm. Another type of treatment involves "packing" the aneurysm with microcoils or small, flexible wire coils that are delivered and inserted into the aneurysm using a catheter.