Aneurysm

See all Pictures & Images

Aneurysm Complications

The main complications of aneurysm include rupture, infection, and compression of local structures. Rupture of some types of aneurysms can cause massive bleeding, which is often fatal. This is commonly seen with abdominal aortic aneurysms, mesenteric artery aneurysms, and splenic artery aneurysms.

Rupture of aneurysms in the brain can cause stroke, disability, and death. Brain surgery for aneurysms can also result in these complications, if the aneurysm ruptures during surgery and bleeding cannot be controlled.

Infection of the aneurysm, which sometimes follows infection at other sites of the body, can lead to systemic illness and rupture. Clotting of the aneurysm occurs when blood stops moving inside the aneurysm, blocking further blood flow past the site of the aneurysm and depriving tissues beyond this of blood supply.

In certain cases, aneurysms can compress neighboring structures such as nerves, leading to neurologic problems, such as weakness and numbness. This can occur with popliteal artery aneurysms.