⭐️Aneurysm Flashcards
What is it
A localized dilation of an artery due to weakening of the vessel wall, which can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding.
Clinical features
🔹 Unruptured Aneurysm:
Often asymptomatic
Pulsatile mass (if superficial, e.g., abdominal aortic aneurysm - AAA)
Compression symptoms (e.g., dysphagia if near the esophagus)
🔹 Ruptured Aneurysm:
Sudden, severe pain (location depends on aneurysm site)
Hypotension (shock)
Loss of consciousness
Neurological deficits (if cerebral aneurysm)
Epidemiology
More common in males than females
Higher prevalence in older adults (>60 years)
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is the most common type
Cerebral aneurysms (berry aneurysms) are a major cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)
Age Groups Affected
AAA: Common in > 60 years
Cerebral (Berry) Aneurysm: Often presents in 40s-60s but can rupture earlier
Congenital aneurysms (e.g., Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes): Can occur at younger ages
Risk Factors
✅ Modifiable:
Smoking 🚬
Hypertension 💉
Atherosclerosis 🩸
High cholesterol 🍳
Heavy alcohol consumption 🍷
🚫 Non-Modifiable:
Age ⏳ (>60 years)
Male gender 🚹 (AAA more common)
Genetic disorders 🧬 (Marfan, Ehlers-Danlos)
Family history 👨👩👦
Clinical Presentation
🔹 AAA: Pulsatile abdominal mass, back pain, rupture = severe pain + hypotension
🔹 Thoracic Aneurysm: Chest pain, dysphagia, hoarseness (compression of nerves)
🔹 Cerebral (Berry) Aneurysm: Sudden severe “thunderclap” headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, loss of consciousness (if ruptured)
Prognosis
🔹 Unruptured:
Good if detected early and monitored
Surgical repair for high-risk aneurysms
🔹 Ruptured:
High mortality (AAA rupture > 80% fatal)
Cerebral aneurysm rupture: 50% mortality, survivors often have neurological deficits
🔹 Better prognosis with:
Early detection (screening for high-risk individuals)
Lifestyle modifications (BP control, smoking cessation)
Surgical repair if needed
