Aneurysm Types, Types of Aneurysms - OmniMedicalSearch.com ( anurism anuerism )

Conditions & Diseases: Cardiovascular System

Aneurysm

See Also:
Aneurysm: Introduction, Causes & Pictures
Aneurysm: Types & Shapes
Aneurysm: Symptoms, Tests & Diagnosis
Aneurysm: Treatment & Prevention Options

Types of Aneurysms

There are three types of Aneurysms:

Aortic Aneurysms
Cerebral Aneurysms
Peripheral Aneurysms

1. Aortic Aneurysms:
Aneurysms of the aorta are called as Aortic Aneurysms. These are further sub classified into:

A. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (TAA): An Aortic aneurysm occuring in a part of the aorta running through chest (Thorax) is known as Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm. Generally, in a TAA, the walls of aorta become weak and the part of aorta nearer to the heart enlarges resulting in improper closure of the valve between heart and the aorta leading to leakage of blood back into the heart. One out of four aortic aneurysms are of this type.

B. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): An aortic aneurysm occurring in the aorta running through the abdomen is known as Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). Three out of four aortic aneurysms are of this type.

2. Cerebral Aneurysms or Berry Aneurysms:
Aneurysms occurring in an artery of the brain are called cerebral aneurysms. Cerebral aneurysms are often berry sized and alternatively called berry aneurysms.

The fatality of cerebral aneurysm depends on the size and location of the aneurysm in the brain, whether it ruptures, the patient’s age and overall health.

3. Peripheral Aneurysms:

Aneurysms occurring in the arteries other than those of aorta and brain are called peripheral aneurysms. Possible locations for peripheral aneurysms include arteries that progress down the back of thigh behind the knee (popliteal artery), the main artery in the groin (femoral artery) and the main artery in the neck (carotid artery) (1).

Shapes of Aneurysms

Aneurysms can be in the following two shapes:

1. Fusiform Aneurysms: In this form of aneurysm, the weakness is generally along an extended section of the aorta involving the entire circumference of the aorta (i.e., symmetrical) and the affected portion appears like a symmetrical bulge.

2. Saccular Aneurysms: These appear like a small blister on the side of aorta and are asymmetrical. They may be caused due to trauma (i.e., car accident) or penetrating aortic ulcer (3).

Article by Kona Vishnu, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com

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Page Last Modified:
03/06/2011