{"id":5656,"date":"2025-12-13T16:55:17","date_gmt":"2025-12-13T21:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/?post_type=chapter&#038;p=5656"},"modified":"2025-12-13T17:53:48","modified_gmt":"2025-12-13T22:53:48","slug":"arterial-aneurysms","status":"web-only","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/chapter\/arterial-aneurysms\/","title":{"raw":"7p28  Arterial Aneurysms","rendered":"7p28  Arterial Aneurysms"},"content":{"raw":"<h1><strong>Locations of Arterial Aneurysms:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Most common in\u00a0<strong>abdominal<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>thoracic aorta<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Types of Aneurysms:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ol>\r\n \t<li><strong>Saccular aneurysm:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A\u00a0<strong>sac-shaped<\/strong>\u00a0bulge protruding from one side of the vessel wall.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Fusiform aneurysm:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A\u00a0<strong>spindle-shaped<\/strong>\u00a0dilation involving the entire circumference of the vessel, causing uniform ballooning.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Dissecting aneurysm:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Occurs when a\u00a0<strong>tear develops<\/strong>\u00a0in the\u00a0<strong>tunica intima<\/strong>\u00a0(inner layer).<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Blood enters the tear and\u00a0<strong>peels<\/strong>\u00a0the tunica intima and media apart.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The wall becomes\u00a0<strong>thinner<\/strong>\u00a0and more prone to rupture.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Particularly dangerous due to the risk of\u00a0<strong>rupture<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>hemorrhage<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<h1><strong>Cause:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Atherosclerosis<\/strong>\u00a0weakens the arterial wall, especially in the\u00a0<strong>tunica media<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Other causes include\u00a0<strong>trauma<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>infection<\/strong>\u00a0(e.g., syphilis), and\u00a0<strong>congenital defects<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Signs and Symptoms:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Bruit:<\/strong>\u00a0A swishing sound heard with a stethoscope.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Palpable pulsation:<\/strong>\u00a0Feeling a\u00a0<strong>warm, pulsating mass<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Dysphagia:<\/strong>\u00a0Difficulty swallowing if located near the esophagus.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Often\u00a0<strong>asymptomatic<\/strong>\u00a0until rupture.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Aortic Aneurysm Rupture:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Usually\u00a0<strong>fatal<\/strong>\u00a0due to rapid\u00a0<strong>hemorrhage<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Signs of rupture:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Severe\u00a0<strong>pain<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Shock<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Loss of pulse<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Organ failure<\/strong>\u00a0due to blood loss.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Blood loss can\u00a0<strong>drown organs<\/strong>\u00a0within\u00a0<strong>one minute<\/strong>, risking death from\u00a0<strong>hypovolemic shock<\/strong>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Diagnostic Approaches:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Imaging:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI<\/strong>\u00a0are used to precisely locate and assess the size and shape of the aneurysm.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Monitoring:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Regular imaging helps evaluate growth and risk of rupture.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Surgical Treatment:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Graft placement:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Uses\u00a0<strong>biocompatible materials<\/strong>\u00a0like\u00a0<strong>polystyrene (polyester)<\/strong>, which are\u00a0<strong>not rejected<\/strong>\u00a0by the body.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Procedure options:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Endovascular grafting:<\/strong>\u00a0Inserting a stent-graft via a catheter.<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Open surgery:<\/strong>\u00a0Excision of the affected segment and suturing in a graft.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li>The approach depends on aneurysm location and severity.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Prevention &amp; Management:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><strong>Treat underlying causes:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Control\u00a0<strong>hypertension<\/strong>\u00a0to prevent further weakening.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Avoid sudden\u00a0<strong>exertion<\/strong>\u00a0spikes.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n \t<li><strong>Lifestyle:<\/strong>\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Maintain blood pressure within normal limits.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Regular monitoring in patients with known aneurysms or risk factors.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h1><strong>Summary:<\/strong><\/h1>\r\nAneurysms are bulges or tears in blood vessel walls, with dissection being a dangerous form involving a tear and separation of vessel layers. Diagnosis relies on imaging, and surgical repair with grafts can restore vessel integrity. Managing blood pressure and avoiding stress are key preventive strategies.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;","rendered":"<h1><strong>Locations of Arterial Aneurysms:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li>Most common in\u00a0<strong>abdominal<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>thoracic aorta<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Types of Aneurysms:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Saccular aneurysm:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A\u00a0<strong>sac-shaped<\/strong>\u00a0bulge protruding from one side of the vessel wall.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fusiform aneurysm:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>A\u00a0<strong>spindle-shaped<\/strong>\u00a0dilation involving the entire circumference of the vessel, causing uniform ballooning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dissecting aneurysm:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Occurs when a\u00a0<strong>tear develops<\/strong>\u00a0in the\u00a0<strong>tunica intima<\/strong>\u00a0(inner layer).<\/li>\n<li>Blood enters the tear and\u00a0<strong>peels<\/strong>\u00a0the tunica intima and media apart.<\/li>\n<li>The wall becomes\u00a0<strong>thinner<\/strong>\u00a0and more prone to rupture.<\/li>\n<li>Particularly dangerous due to the risk of\u00a0<strong>rupture<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong>hemorrhage<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h1><strong>Cause:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Atherosclerosis<\/strong>\u00a0weakens the arterial wall, especially in the\u00a0<strong>tunica media<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>Other causes include\u00a0<strong>trauma<\/strong>,\u00a0<strong>infection<\/strong>\u00a0(e.g., syphilis), and\u00a0<strong>congenital defects<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Signs and Symptoms:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bruit:<\/strong>\u00a0A swishing sound heard with a stethoscope.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Palpable pulsation:<\/strong>\u00a0Feeling a\u00a0<strong>warm, pulsating mass<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Dysphagia:<\/strong>\u00a0Difficulty swallowing if located near the esophagus.<\/li>\n<li>Often\u00a0<strong>asymptomatic<\/strong>\u00a0until rupture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Aortic Aneurysm Rupture:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Usually\u00a0<strong>fatal<\/strong>\u00a0due to rapid\u00a0<strong>hemorrhage<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Signs of rupture:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Severe\u00a0<strong>pain<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Shock<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Loss of pulse<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Organ failure<\/strong>\u00a0due to blood loss.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Blood loss can\u00a0<strong>drown organs<\/strong>\u00a0within\u00a0<strong>one minute<\/strong>, risking death from\u00a0<strong>hypovolemic shock<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Diagnostic Approaches:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li>Imaging:\n<ul>\n<li><strong>X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI<\/strong>\u00a0are used to precisely locate and assess the size and shape of the aneurysm.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Monitoring:\n<ul>\n<li>Regular imaging helps evaluate growth and risk of rupture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Surgical Treatment:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Graft placement:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Uses\u00a0<strong>biocompatible materials<\/strong>\u00a0like\u00a0<strong>polystyrene (polyester)<\/strong>, which are\u00a0<strong>not rejected<\/strong>\u00a0by the body.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Procedure options:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Endovascular grafting:<\/strong>\u00a0Inserting a stent-graft via a catheter.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Open surgery:<\/strong>\u00a0Excision of the affected segment and suturing in a graft.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>The approach depends on aneurysm location and severity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Prevention &amp; Management:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Treat underlying causes:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Control\u00a0<strong>hypertension<\/strong>\u00a0to prevent further weakening.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid sudden\u00a0<strong>exertion<\/strong>\u00a0spikes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lifestyle:<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintain blood pressure within normal limits.<\/li>\n<li>Regular monitoring in patients with known aneurysms or risk factors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h1><strong>Summary:<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Aneurysms are bulges or tears in blood vessel walls, with dissection being a dangerous form involving a tear and separation of vessel layers. Diagnosis relies on imaging, and surgical repair with grafts can restore vessel integrity. Managing blood pressure and avoiding stress are key preventive strategies.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1370,"menu_order":34,"template":"","meta":{"pb_show_title":"on","pb_short_title":"","pb_subtitle":"","pb_authors":["zoe-soon"],"pb_section_license":"cc-by-nc-sa"},"chapter-type":[],"contributor":[60],"license":[57],"class_list":["post-5656","chapter","type-chapter","status-web-only","hentry","contributor-zoe-soon","license-cc-by-nc-sa"],"part":55,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1370"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5660,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5656\/revisions\/5660"}],"part":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/parts\/55"}],"metadata":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapters\/5656\/metadata\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"chapter-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/pressbooks\/v2\/chapter-type?post=5656"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=5656"},{"taxonomy":"license","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pressbooks.bccampus.ca\/pathophysiology\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/license?post=5656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}