An enlargement or bulge in the artery due to a weak arterial wall. Aneurysms of the muscular layer of the heart can also occur following a heart attack.. Aneurysms are found mostly in the aorta, or arteries that supply the brain, legs, or heart wall.
Causes of Aneurysm
aneurysms may be congenital or may occur from chronic damage to the arteries. The most common agents leading to chronic damage of the arterial wall include poorly controlled hypertension and atherosclerosis. Certain infections, such as syphilis, can damage the arterial wall of the aorta. Injuries or punctures of the arteries can lead to the development of aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms. Hereditary conditions, such as Marfan's syndrome, are associated with aneurysms of the aorta due to defects in the connective tissues of the body. Aneurysms of the heart frequently occur in an area of damaged muscle, often caused by a previous heart attack.
Signs and Symptoms of Aneurysm
Symptoms vary according to the artery involved: Thoracic (chest) aneurysms may produce sudden and sharp pain in the chest, neck, back and abdomen. Abdominal aneurysms lead to back pain (sometimes severe), appetite and weight loss, and a pulsating mass in the abdomen. Am aneurysm in an artery of the leg may affect circulation to that leg. There may be weakness, pallor, swelling and a bluish discoloration of the skin. A pulsating mass may appear in the groin or behind the knee. Aneurysms in the brain are usually silent until they rupture. When they do, severe headaches are usually produced. The neck is stiff and the person is sensitive to light. If the hemorrhage is large or a significant part of the brain has been damaged, lethargy and coma can occur. Weakness, paralysis, visual loss, unequal pupils and blindness can occur. Aneurysms in the heart muscle frequently produce irregular heartbeats and signs of congestive heart failure.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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