Image - Popliteal Aneurysms on a CT scan
When an artery is dilated we use the term aneurysm to describe this. As a rule of thumb once an artery is 50% wider than normal, we would call it an aneurysm. So in theory any artery can become aneurysmal, but in practice there are certain areas more prone to this that we deal with on a regular basis. In the leg the commonest are Popliteal and Femoral Aneurysms. In the abdomen, arteries to the organs may develop aneurysms, the Spleen, Liver, Kidney, and Bowel being the most common. These are aneurysms that develop gradually due to a process of weakening in the artery wall. There are some inherited conditions with weak arteries such that aneurysms develop at a younger age. Marfans syndrome, Loeys Dietz syndrome and Ehlers Danlos type 4.
Vascular surgeons do not deal with aneurysms affecting the brain arteries inside the skull. These are treated by Neurosurgeons and Neuro-radiologists.For more informationon these particluar aneurysms associated with sub-arachnoid haemorrhage click HERE
Other aneurysms are seen occasionally after injury from trauma or infection. These can occur wherever the artery is injured or infected.
All aneurysms can be at risk of rupture as they get larger. The blood flow within aneurysms can also be abnormal and this can lead to clots developing. Popliteal aneurysms are particulary prone to this and more often cause blocked arteries in the leg rather than rupture.
Treatment for these other aneurysms depends on whare they are situated and their size. As with aortic aneurysms stents or asurgical repair can be used. Some aneurysms can be blocked off if the blood supply through that artery is not essential and there are other routes for the circulation. This can make treatment simpler, using xray and angiographic techniques as a local anaesthetic procedure.