Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a localized dilation or bulging in the wall of a blood vessel, often occurring in arteries due to weakness in the vessel wall.

Causes:

• Atherosclerosis: Plaque buildup weakens the arterial walls.
• Hypertension: Chronic high blood pressure increases stress on the vessel wall.
• Trauma or infection (mycotic aneurysm).
• Congenital defects such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Types: this is based on location of the aneurysm. Commonly seen types are

• Aortic Aneurysm: commonly affects the thoracic or abdominal aorta.
• Cerebral Aneurysm: also known as a brain aneurysm; may cause subarachnoid haemorrhage if ruptured.
• Peripheral Aneurysms: affect arteries in the extremities.

Diagnosis:

Imaging: Ultrasound, CT angiography, or MRI.

Clinical presentation includes localized pain or, in ruptured aneurysms, shock due to internal bleeding.

Treatment

• Monitoring for small aneurysms.
• Surgical repair (open or endovascular) for large or symptomatic aneurysms.