Aneurysm

Abnormal dilation of an artery Can form where ever there is a weakening in the vessel Can form anywhere in the circulatory system

Types of Aneurysms ©http://www.daviddarling.info/images/aneurysms.jpg

Aneurysm in the Femoral Artery ©http://medtech. cls. msu

Most common place for an aneurysm to occur is the aorta Triple A: abdominal aortic aneurysm bifurcation of the aorta in the abdomen

AAA ©http://www.healthyes.com/aaa/images/aaa_1.jpg

AAA

AAA ©http://www. medfarm. uu. se/forskning/bild. php

Cause: Unknown

Contributing Factors Complication of syphilis Hypertension (smoking, etc.) Arterio-atherosclerosis Defective elastic fibers in the media Males are more often affected

Signs/Symptoms: None in the early stages Can have intense pain, raised heart rate, and falling bp Why? Pale skin

If small, it is often undiagnosed Occasionally found by accident on routine x-rays

Normal Chest X-Ray

Aneurysm

Treatment: Surgery A graft is inserted into the aorta to strengthen it

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Graft ©http://www. womenandinfants. com/healthGate/images/exh37486a_ma

For Lab

Beginning of an Aortic Aneursym

Dissecting Aortic Aneurysm

Dissecting Aneurysm