Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > A > Aneurysm

Aneurysm    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Definition:

An abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of a blood vessel. The blood vessel wall becomes weaker in this location. Aneurysms can occur in any artery in the body.

Some common locations for aneurysms include:

Causes and Risks

Aneurysms are either congenital or acquired. It is not clear exactly what causes aneurysms. In certain cases (abdominal aortic aneurysms), hypertension 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/or rupture of splenic artery aneurysms.

Ency. home > Disease > A > Aneurysm

[an error occurred while processing this directive]