aneurysmi

Aneurysmi is a term used to denote multiple aneurysms; in English medical practice the more common plural is aneurysms, but aneurysmi appears in some sources. An aneurysm is a localized dilation of an artery or, less commonly, a heart chamber, arising from weakening of the vessel wall. It may vary in size and shape.

Most aneurysmi correspond to true aneurysms, in which all three layers of the arterial wall (intima, media, adventitia) are involved. False or pseudoaneurysms occur when a breach in the vessel wall leads to a contained hematoma that communicates with the arterial lumen. Aneurysms can be saccular (bag-like) or fusiform (spindle-shaped).

They are classified by location (aortic, cerebral, peripheral) and by cause (degenerative, congenital connective tissue disorders, inflammatory, infectious, traumatic). Risk factors include aging, hypertension, atherosclerosis, smoking, and family history; connective tissue disorders such as Marfan or Ehlers-Danlos increase risk in some locations.

Many aneurysmi are asymptomatic and found incidentally. Symptoms, when present, reflect expansion or rupture: abdominal aortic aneurysms may cause back or abdominal pain and a pulsatile mass; cerebral aneurysms may rupture causing sudden severe headache and signs of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Diagnostic approaches include ultrasound for abdominal aneurysms, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and digital subtraction angiography.

Management depends on size, location, and rupture risk. Small, uncomplicated aneurysms are often monitored with regular imaging and medical risk-factor control (blood pressure, lipids, smoking cessation). Larger aneurysms or those that enlarge rapidly may require repair—open surgical repair or endovascular repair with a stent graft, depending on anatomy and patient factors. Cerebral aneurysms may be treated with clipping or endovascular coiling.

Prognosis depends on rupture risk; rupture carries high mortality. Prevention focuses on risk-factor modification and regular surveillance where appropriate.