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Aneurysm
Definition
An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or ballooning of a portion of an artery, related to weakness in the wall of the blood vessel. Some common locations for aneurysms include:
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Aneurysms are either congenital (present before birth) or acquired. It is not clear exactly what causes aneurysms. Defects in some of the components of the artery wall may be responsible. In certain cases (abdominal aortic aneurysms), high blood pressure is thought to be a contributing factor.
Atherosclerotic disease (cholesterol buildup in arteries) may contribute to the formation of certain types of aneurysms. Pregnancy is often associated with the formation and rupture of aneurysms of the splenic artery (an artery leading to the spleen).
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Jump to another section
• Definition
• Aneurysm Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Aneurysm Symptoms & Signs
• Aneurysm Prevention
• Aneurysm Diagnosis & Tests
• Aneurysm Treatment
• Aneurysm Prognosis
• Aneurysm Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
• Aneurysm in the Brain
• Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Review Date : 11/18/2002
Reviewed By : James P. Dolan, M.D., Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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