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Aneurysm: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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Aneurysms are abnormal enlargements of the arteries caused by the weakening of the arterial wall.

trusted-source[1], [2]

Causes of aneurysms

Common causes are arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis, infection, trauma and hereditary or acquired connective tissue diseases or collagenoses.

trusted-source[3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]

Aneurysm Symptoms

Aneurysms are usually asymptomatic, but can cause pain and lead to ischemia, thromboembolism, spontaneous stratification and rupture, often fatal.

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Aneurysm Diagnosis

Diagnosis is established using visualizing methods of investigation (for example, ultrasound, CT with angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, aortography).

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Aneurysm treatment

Treatment of unexploded aneurysms includes the exclusion of risk factors (eg, strict control of blood pressure) and observation or surgical treatment depending on the size, location of the aneurysm and the presence of symptoms. The treatment of ruptured aneurysms involves an emergency surgical intervention and the filing of a synthetic prosthesis or an endoprosthesis.

Aneurysms, defined as a more than 50% increase in the diameter of the artery as compared to normal segments, are the result of local weakening of the arterial wall. True aneurysms involve all three layers of the artery (inner, middle and outer). Pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm) is the communication between the arterial gleam and the connective tissue lying over the artery, which appears as a result of rupture of the artery. A blood-filled cavity is formed outside the vessel wall, and the defect is closed by a thrombus. Aneurysms are classified as fusiform (circular artery widening) or saccate (limited artery wall swelling). Thrombi forming in the thickness of the vascular wall (laminar thrombi) can form on the wall of any type of aneurysm and are a sign that the blood flow outside the aneurysm is normal or almost normal.

Aneurysms can develop in any artery. Aneurysms of the abdominal and thoracic parts of the aorta are the most frequent and significant, the aneurysms of the main branches (subclavian and organ arteries) are much less common.

trusted-source[13], [14]

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