
An aneurysm is a pathological dilation of an artery. This localized bulging of the vessel can be life-threatening. An aortic aneurysm is defined as an aortic aneurysm with a diameter of 3 cm or more.
Aneurysms occur most frequently in the abdominal aorta. This is where 75 percent of cases are found. In men over the age of 65, 4 to 8 percent are affected.
The rate is lower for women in the same age group. It is 0.5 to 1.5 percent. However, a rupture of the vasodilatation occurs more frequently in women.
The risk of an aneurysm increases with its size. From 5.5 cm in men and 4.5 cm in women, it is considered critical. A rupture leads to death in 80 percent of cases.
Aneurysms can also occur in other vessels. Sometimes the pelvic vessels or the popliteal artery are affected.
Important findings
- Aneurysms are pathological dilatations of arteries
- 75% of aneurysms occur in the abdominal aorta
- Men over 65 are more frequently affected than women
- The risk increases with the size of the aneurysm
- An aneurysm rupture has a high mortality rate
What is an aneurysm: definition and medical basics
An an eurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel. It is often caused by a weakened vessel wall. Arteries in the abdomen, chest, heart and brain are frequently affected.
Development and manifestations
Aneurysms usually develop over years. Factors such as arteriosclerosis or genes weaken the vessel wall. High blood pressure, lipometabolic disorders and smoking increase the risk.
Many sufferers have several aneurysms at the same time. The vascular dilatations can occur in different parts of the body.
Common localizations in the body
The abdominal aortic aneurysm is a common form. It occurs in the main artery in the abdomen. Cerebral artery aneurysms are particularly dangerous.
They can lead to serious consequences such as strokes. Early detection and treatment are therefore very important.
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from YouTube. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
Anatomical features of vasodilatation
The vessel wall structure is decisive for aneurysms. Deposits and other influences weaken the wall. It cannot withstand the blood pressure.
This leads to the typical bulge. The vascular dilatation can take on different shapes and sizes.
Aneurysm type | Main localization | Special risks |
---|---|---|
Abdominal aortic aneurysm | Abdominal area | Internal bleeding |
Cerebral aneurysm | Brain aneurysm | Stroke |
Thoracic aneurysm | Chest area | Shortness of breath, chest pain |
Main causes and triggers for aneurysms
Aneurysms occur for various reasons. We examine the main causes of these dangerous vascular dilatations. Find out more about the most important triggers.
Genetic predispositions and connective tissue disorders
Some people carry an increased risk of aneurysm in their genes. They occur more frequently in some families. A family history increases the likelihood of developing the disease.
Connective tissue disorders also play a role. They weaken the vessel walls and make them more susceptible to aneurysms.
Lifestyle-related influences
Smoking is a major risk factor. It promotes arteriosclerosis and therefore also aneurysms. High blood pressure damages the vessel walls and promotes the development of aneurysms.
A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk. Make sure you eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Age-related developments
The risk of aneurysm increases with age. The vascular system loses elasticity. Older people are therefore affected more frequently.
Regular check-ups are important from a certain age. They help to detect and treat aneurysms at an early stage.
Risk factor | Effect of |
---|---|
Smoking | Increases the risk of arteriosclerosis and aneurysms |
High blood pressure | Damages vessel walls, promotes aneurysm formation |
Connective tissue disorders | Weaken vessel walls, promote aneurysms |
Age | Reduces the elasticity of blood vessels, increases the risk of aneurysms |
Disease progression and warning signs
Aneurysms often develop unnoticed over years. A vessel is aneurysmal if its diameter is 1.5 times larger than normal. Many aneurysms remain asymptomatic for a long time.
Around 30% are discovered by chance during routine examinations. This underlines the importance of regular check-ups.
An aortic rupture or dissection is life-threatening. In the event of a rupture, 70% of those affected experience sudden, severe abdominal or back pain. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.
The risk of aneurysm increases with age. Men over 65 are particularly at risk, especially for abdominal aortic aneurysms. From a diameter of 5.5 cm in men and 5.0 cm in women, the probability of rupture increases significantly.
Regular check-ups are important. Doctors recommend annual ultrasound examinations for small enlargements. Relatives of those affected should also be examined due to possible genetic factors.
Diagnostic procedures and early detection
An accurate aneurysm diagnosis is crucial for treatment. Doctors use various methods for early detection. These help to detect and observe vascular dilatations in good time.
Ultrasound examinations
Ultrasound is the first choice for diagnosing aneurysms. The painless examination takes about 15 minutes. Health insurance companies cover the costs for men aged 65 and over.
Self-paying patients have to expect to pay around 40 euros. The method provides important insights into the condition of the blood vessels.
Imaging procedures
CT and MRI are used when ultrasound is not sufficient. They provide detailed images of the vessels. These show exactly where the aneurysm is located and how large it is.
Screening programs
Early detection can save lives. Screening programs are particularly aimed at high-risk groups. Men over 65 should be screened regularly.
Every year, around 40 out of 100,000 people develop an aortic aneurysm. Men are affected five times more often than women.
Examination method | Duration | Cost |
---|---|---|
Ultrasound | 15 minutes | Free of charge (from 65 years) |
CT/MRI | 30-60 minutes | After referral by a doctor |
Further examinations are necessary if the findings are abnormal. Surgery is recommended if the aneurysm is 5.5 to 6 centimetres in size. Regular check-ups are important, as the aortic diameter can increase significantly up to 70.
Modern treatment methods
The treatment of aneurysms has improved considerably. Doctors use various methods to treat vascular dilatations effectively. Modern procedures offer new options for patients.
Endovascular interventions
Endovascular procedures often rely on stent grafts. This minimally invasive method treats the aneurysm from the inside. A catheter is used to insert the stent graft, which supports the dilated vessel wall.
Classic surgical procedures
Sometimes an operation with a vascular prosthesis is necessary. In this case, an artificial prosthesis replaces the diseased part of the vessel. This method is used for complex aneurysms.
Preventive measures
Preventive measures complement the direct treatment methods. These include blood pressure control, a healthy diet and regular exercise. These steps can slow down the progression of an aneurysm.
Treatment method | Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|---|
Endovascular(stent graft) | Minimally invasive, short recovery time | Not suitable for all aneurysms |
Surgical(vascular prosthesis) | Suitable for complex cases | Longer recovery time, higher surgical risk |
Preventive measures | Non-invasive, low risk | Slow effect, no guarantee |
The choice of treatment depends on many factors. Doctors decide individually on the best procedure for the patient. Cerebral aneurysms cause 85% of subarachnoid hemorrhages.
Modern clinics offer all endovascular and microsurgical procedures. This ensures optimal care for patients.
Conclusion
Aneurysms are a serious health risk. Splenic artery aneurysms have a rupture risk of 10%, with hepatic artery aneurysms the risk is as high as 80%. These figures show how important prevention and regular check-ups are.
Early detection can save lives. Pregnant women are particularly at risk, with a rupture risk of almost 100%. Modern diagnostics and screening programs significantly improve detection and treatment options.
Follow-up care is crucial. In 10% of patients, renal artery aneurysms occur on both sides. A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk.
About 32% of true visceral artery aneurysms are caused by arteriosclerosis. Targeted prevention and careful aftercare enable a high quality of life despite diagnosis.