Aneurysms
Article Content
An aneurysm is a focal abnormal dilatation of a blood vessel. They generally occur in arteries; venous aneurysms are rare. Aneurysms may also occur in the heart.
There are 2 pathological types:
- True aneurysm
- False aneurysm, also known as a pseudoaneurysm
Causes:
- Congenital
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypertension
- Vasculitis
- Hereditary connective tissue disorders (Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)
- Fibromuscular dysplasia
- Infection - mycotic aneurysm, syphilis
- Trauma
- Iatrogenic
- Myocardial infarction - may cause left ventricular aneurysm
Morphologically there are two types of aneurysms. The morphology is not specific for any cause:
- Saccular aneurysm - eccentric, involving only a portion of the circumference of the vessel wall
- Fusiform aneurysm - concentric, involving full circumference of the vessel wall.
Complications:
- Rupture
- Distal thromboembolism
- Pressure effects
Related links
- Thoracic aortic aneurysm
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Popliteal artery aneurysm
- Cerebral aneurysm, including berry aneurysm
- Mycotic aneurysm