| Aneurysm What is an 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.
What causes an aneurysm to form?
An aneurysm may be caused or aggravated by disease (such as atherosclerosis or
hypertension), injury, or an abnormality present at birth.
How are aneurysms diagnosed?
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 (CT or CAT scan) - a non-invasive procedure that
takes cross-sectional images of the brain or other internal organs; to detect any
abnormalities that may not show up on an ordinary x-ray.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)- a non-invasive procedure that
produces two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure, especially the brain and
spinal cord.
- echocardiogram (also known as echo)
A test that uses sound waves to produce a study of the motion of the heart's chambers and
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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