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Aneurysms: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Diagnosis of aneurysms
The diagnosis is established using imaging methods (eg, ultrasound, CT with angiography, magnetic resonance angiography, aortography).
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Treatment of aneurysms
Treatment of unruptured aneurysms involves eliminating risk factors (eg, strict blood pressure control) and observation or surgery depending on the size, location of the aneurysm, and the presence of symptoms. Treatment of ruptured aneurysms involves emergency surgery and suturing of a synthetic prosthesis or endoprosthesis.
Aneurysms, defined as a greater than 50% increase in the diameter of an artery compared to normal segments, result from a focal weakening of the arterial wall. True aneurysms involve all three layers of the artery (inner, middle, and outer). A pseudoaneurysm (false aneurysm) is a communication between the arterial lumen and the overlying connective tissue that occurs as a result of an arterial rupture. A blood-filled cavity forms outside the vessel wall, and a thrombus closes the defect. Aneurysms are classified as fusiform (a circumferential dilation of the artery) or saccular (a localized bulge of the arterial wall). Thrombi that form within the thickness of the vessel wall (laminar thrombi) can form on the wall of any type of aneurysm and are a sign that blood flow outside the aneurysm is normal or nearly normal.
Aneurysms can develop in any artery. Aneurysms of the abdominal and thoracic aorta are the most common and significant, aneurysms of the main branches (subclavian and organ arteries) are much less common.