Types of Aneurysms
Aneurysms can occur on any artery or vein but are most common on the arteries at the base of the brain and the aorta. The primary defining characteristic of an Aneurysm is its location. They are also defined by their shape, of which there are two main types, Saccular and Fusiform. The shape of an Aneurysm is a major consideration in determining the type of treatment.
The most common type is the Saccular, or Berry shaped Aneurysm, which will buldge out of one side of the artery wall, similar to a berry on a vine. These may connect to the parent artery with a distinct and well defined neck or with a wide, broad opening.
Fusiform Aneurysms have no distinct neck but are a generally swelling of both sides of the artery.
Aneurysms, or bulges in the arteries are further classified as True Aneurysms, False Aneurysms, or Dissection, depending upon which layers of the artery are involved. The body’s arteries are made up of three layers, the Intima, which is the innermost layer, the Media is the middle layer, and the Adventitia is the outermost layer.
- False Aneurysm or Pseudoaneurysm
- Involves only the two outer layers of an artery. Blood leaking from an artery forms a hematoma that is contained by the surrounding tissues. These are often the result of trauma.
- Dissection
- This is when the inner layer, the Intima, of an artery wall splits open or dissects.
- True Aneurysm
- This is a bulge that involves all 3 layers of the blood vessel wall.
- Cerebral or Intracranial Aneurysm
- An Aneurysm that occurs in an artery of the brain. These are more commonly referred to as a Brain Aneurysm.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm or AAA
- An Aneurysm located on the section of the aorta in the abdomen.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
- An Aneurysm located on the section of the aorta above the diaphragm in the chest.
- Peripheral Aneurysm
- This is an Aneurysm that occurs in arteries other than the brain and aorta, commonly they occur in the femoral and carotid arteries.
- Popliteal Aneurysm
- The most common type of Peripheral Aneurysm, it forms on the Poploteal artery, which supplies blood to the legs.
- Subclavian Aneurysm
- This is an Aneurysm located on the Subclavian artery located below the collarbone. Though somewhat rare, they are a potentially dangerous form of Aneurysm.
- Visceral Aneurysm
- A type of Peripheral Aneurysm that develops on the arteries supplying the Kidneys or Bowel.
Types of Aneurysms
