Aneurysm
Aneurysm is a bulge or sac formed by the ballooning of the wall of an artery or a vein. An aneurysm may pose a threat to health. It may become the site of a blood clot that breaks away and lodges in the tissues of such vital organs as the heart and the brain, causing serious, even mortal, heart failure or brain damage. A ruptured aneurysm may lead to a fatal loss of blood from the circulatory system into body cavities.
Most aneurysms occur in blood vessel walls that have been weakened by a combination of arteriosclerosis, thickening and hardening of the arteries, and hypertension, abnormally high blood pressure. However, even normal blood pressure may cause an aneurysm in a vessel wall that has been weak from birth. Other causes of aneurysms include traumatic injury, such as that experienced in an automobile accident, and infection from diseases, such as syphilis. Aneurysms may develop in any blood vessel, but they frequently form in the major vessels, especially in the aorta, which is the body’s largest artery.
Aneurysms often produce no outward symptoms, and may be discovered only during a physical examination, from an X ray, or when they rupture. If the aneurysm is near the surface of the body, the patient may become aware of a pulsating mass. Some aneurysms may press on adjacent organs. In the chest, for example, the pressure of an aneurysm may affect the respiratory system, causing hoarseness, coughing, breathlessness, and pain. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are known to cause severe pain in the back and lower abdomen. Brain aneurysms are generally accompanied by no symptoms at all until they suddenly enlarge and burst, possibly resulting in death.
Some aneurysms can be removed surgically before they pose a danger. The risk of death is much lower in these cases than if the patient requires emergency surgery because of a ruptured aneurysm.
Most aneurysms occur in blood vessel walls that have been weakened by a combination of arteriosclerosis, thickening and hardening of the arteries, and hypertension, abnormally high blood pressure. However, even normal blood pressure may cause an aneurysm in a vessel wall that has been weak from birth. Other causes of aneurysms include traumatic injury, such as that experienced in an automobile accident, and infection from diseases, such as syphilis. Aneurysms may develop in any blood vessel, but they frequently form in the major vessels, especially in the aorta, which is the body’s largest artery.
Aneurysms often produce no outward symptoms, and may be discovered only during a physical examination, from an X ray, or when they rupture. If the aneurysm is near the surface of the body, the patient may become aware of a pulsating mass. Some aneurysms may press on adjacent organs. In the chest, for example, the pressure of an aneurysm may affect the respiratory system, causing hoarseness, coughing, breathlessness, and pain. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are known to cause severe pain in the back and lower abdomen. Brain aneurysms are generally accompanied by no symptoms at all until they suddenly enlarge and burst, possibly resulting in death.
Some aneurysms can be removed surgically before they pose a danger. The risk of death is much lower in these cases than if the patient requires emergency surgery because of a ruptured aneurysm.
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