Aneurysm overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
An '''aneurysm''' (or '''aneurism''') is a localized, blood-filled dilation (bulge) of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.kmle.com/search.php?Search=aneurysm | title = ''KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of aneurysm'' | author = [http://www.kmle.com The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary]}}</ref> Aneurysms most commonly occur in [[artery|arteries]] at the base of the brain (the [[circle of Willis]]) and in the [[aorta]] (the main artery coming out of the [[heart]]), a so-called [[aortic aneurysm]]. The bulge in a blood vessel can burst and lead to death at any time. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst. Aneurysms can usually be treated. | An '''aneurysm''' (or '''aneurism''') is a localized, blood-filled dilation (bulge) of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.kmle.com/search.php?Search=aneurysm | title = ''KMLE Medical Dictionary Definition of aneurysm'' | author = [http://www.kmle.com The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary]}}</ref> Aneurysms most commonly occur in [[artery|arteries]] at the base of the brain (the [[circle of Willis]]) and in the [[aorta]] (the main artery coming out of the [[heart]]), a so-called [[aortic aneurysm]]. The bulge in a blood vessel can burst and lead to death at any time. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst. Aneurysms can usually be treated. | ||
==Historical Perspective== | |||
Surgical clipping for the treatment of [[aneurysm]] was introduced by Walter Dandy of the [[Johns Hopkins Hospital]] in 1937. | |||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Revision as of 14:54, 21 February 2013
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Aneurysm Microchapters |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
An aneurysm (or aneurism) is a localized, blood-filled dilation (bulge) of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall.[1] Aneurysms most commonly occur in arteries at the base of the brain (the circle of Willis) and in the aorta (the main artery coming out of the heart), a so-called aortic aneurysm. The bulge in a blood vessel can burst and lead to death at any time. The larger an aneurysm becomes, the more likely it is to burst. Aneurysms can usually be treated.
Historical Perspective
Surgical clipping for the treatment of aneurysm was introduced by Walter Dandy of the Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1937.
Classification
Aneurysms may involve arteries or veins and have various causes. They are commonly further classified by shape, structure and location.
Pathophysiology
Most frequent site of occurrence is in the anterior cerebral artery from the circle of Willis. The occurrence and expansion of an aneurysm in a given segment of the arterial tree involves local hemodynamic factors and factors intrinsic to the arterial segment itself.