What is Aneurysm?

• An aneurysm is a dilatation formed at a weak form on the wall of the artery. 
• Classified according to their shape, morphology, and location.

• At least 50% increase in diameter

• False aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm: collection of blood and connective tissue outside the aortic wall.

ETIOLOGY

• Atherosclerosis
• Vasculopathy
• Vascular injury
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Trauma
• Infection-bacterial
• Neoplasm
• Smoking

TYPES OF ANEURYSM

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

• Sometimes known as “Triple A,” are the most common aneurysms of the aorta — the large blood vessel that carries blood away from your heart and through your body.
• Given the aortas reach and size (it’s almost an inch wide in places), substantial internal bleeding occurs when blood pressure increases against the aortas walls, causing it to rupture.
• Sometimes mistaken for a heart attack, an abdominal aortic rupture can be characterized by pulsating mass, chest and jaw pain, stabbing abdominal or back pain, fainting, difficulty breathing, and weakness on one side of the body.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

• Thoracic aortic aneurysms develop in the portion of the aorta that passes through the chest. Also like abdominal aortic aneurysms, thoracic aortic aneurysms are largely asymptomatic — so you’re unlikely to know that it’s lurking.

• However, some symptoms to look out for are back pain, hoarseness, shortness of breath, or tenderness or pain in the chest prior to a thoracic aneurysm rupture.

Cerebral Aneurysm

• Cerebral aneurysms, also known as brain aneurysms, are weakened, bulging vessels above the aorta, in the brain. 

• These are most common in people from ages 30 to 60. While cerebral aneurysms can be tiny and not cause any problems, larger ones can rupture causing bleeding in the brain and potentially becoming fatal.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

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CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

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DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

MANAGEMENT

NURSING PRIORITIES