Medical Health Encyclopedia

Aneurysm

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Cerebral aneurysm Aortic aneurysm Intracerebellar hemorrhage - CT scan

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Aneurysm

Definition:

An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. Some common locations for aneurysms include:

• Aorta (the major artery from the heart) -- see abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aortic aneurysm)
• Brain (cerebral aneurysm)
• Leg (popliteal artery aneurysm)
• Intestine (mesenteric artery aneurysm)
• Splenic artery aneurysm

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Text Continues Below

---

Aneurysms are either congenital (present before birth) or acquired. It is not clear exactly what causes aneurysms. Defects in some of the components of the artery wall may be responsible. In certain cases (abdominal aortic aneurysms), high blood pressure is thought to be a contributing factor.

Atherosclerotic disease (cholesterol buildup in arteries) may contribute to the formation of certain types of aneurysms. Pregnancy is often associated with the formation and rupture of aneurysms of the splenic artery (an artery leading to the spleen).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.