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Resources
Aneurysm
An aneurysm is
the dilation -
thinning and
ballooning or
bulging out -
in part of the
wall of a vein,
artery, or the
heart. An
aneurysm may be
small and not
cause any
symptoms.
An
aneurysm may be
caused or
aggravated by
disease (such
as
atherosclerosis
or
hypertension),
injury, or an
abnormality
present at
birth. In
addition to a
complete
medical history
and physical
examination,
diagnostic
procedures for
an aneurysm may
include any, or
a combination
of, the
following:
-
computed
tomography
scan (Also
called a
CT or CAT
scan.) - a
diagnostic
imaging
procedure
that uses
a
combination
of x-rays
and
computer
technology
to produce
cross-sectional
images
(often
called
slices),
both
horizontally
and
vertically,
of the
body. A CT
scan shows
detailed
images of
any part
of the
body,
including
the bones,
muscles,
fat, and
organs. CT
scans are
more
detailed
than
general
x-rays.
-
magnetic
resonance
imaging
(MRI) - a
diagnostic
procedure
that uses
a
combination
of large
magnets,
radiofrequencies,
and a
computer
to produce
detailed
images of
organs and
structures
within the
body.
-
echocardiogram
(also
known as
echo) - a
procedure
that
evaluates
the
structure
and
function
of the
heart by
using
sound
waves
recorded
on an
electronic
sensor
that
produce a
moving
picture of
the heart
and heart
valves.
What
dangers do
aneurysms
present?
The danger
from an
aneurysm
is that it
will
continue
to bulge
and may
burst.
When an
aneurysm
in a large
blood
vessel or
in the
heart
bursts, a
person
could
bleed to
death.
When an
aneurysm
bursts in
the brain,
a stroke
(brain
attack)
can
result.
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