Aneurysm Diagnosis, Treatment & Symptoms | Advanced Care in Turkey 2024

Types of Aneurysms

The most common types of aneurysms include

• Abdominal aortic aneurysms: This is an abnormal enlargement of the aorta, most often in the lower part of the abdomen.
• Thoracic aortic aneurysms: an abnormal enlargement of the aorta in the upper part of the body, in the chest region.
• Cerebral aneurysms: These are abnormal bulges in the arteries that supply the brain.
• Popliteal artery aneurysms: These are abnormal enlargements of the popliteal artery behind the knee.
• Femoral artery aneurysms: An abnormal enlargement of the femoral artery in the thigh.
• Iliac artery aneurysms: An abnormal enlargement of the iliac artery in the pelvic area.
• Splenic artery aneurysms: This is an abnormal enlargement of the splenic artery, which supplies blood to the spleen.

It is important to diagnose aneurysms early because they can lead to serious complications such as rupture, which can be fatal.

Aneurysm Symptoms

Symptoms of an aneurysm vary depending on the size, location, and severity of the aneurysm. They may include:

• Headache: Headaches are the most common symptom of an aneurysm. They can be sudden, severe, and throbbing. The headache may be felt on one or both sides of the head.
• Nausea and vomiting, especially if the aneurysm is in the head.
• Impaired vision: Vision problems, such as double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or loss of total vision, may be a sign of a brain aneurysm.
• Difficulty speaking: Difficulty speaking, such as dysarthria or aphasia, may be a sign of a brain aneurysm.
• Difficulty moving: Difficulties in moving, such as paralysis or numbness, may be a sign of a brain aneurysm.
• Loss of consciousness: Loss of consciousness is a serious sign of a ruptured aneurysm.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. An untreated aneurysm can rupture and cause a brain hemorrhage. A brain hemorrhage is a medical emergency that can cause serious brain damage or even death.

Aneurysm Diagnosis in Turkey 

Diagnosing an aneurysm can be difficult because symptoms can be vague or absent. In some cases, an aneurysm may be discovered by chance during a medical imaging test performed for another reason.
Diagnostic tests used to diagnose an aneurysm include:

• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• CT scan (computed tomography)
• Angiography (invasive imaging test that uses a catheter to inject a contrast dye into the blood vessels)

If an aneurysm is diagnosed, the doctor will determine whether the patient needs treatment. Small aneurysms can be monitored without treatment. However, medium and large aneurysms may require treatment to reduce the risk of rupture.

Non-Surgical Aneurysm Treatments

Monitoring is a treatment option for small aneurysms that do not have symptoms. The doctor monitors the aneurysm regularly with imaging tests to make sure it does not expand further or rupture.

Medications may also be used to treat the aneurysm by reducing blood pressure and slowing the growth of the aneurysm. The most commonly used medications include beta-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

Blood clotting is another non-surgical treatment option for aneurysms. This method involves taking blood thinners to prevent the formation of blood clots, which can cause the aneurysm to rupture. However, this option is not recommended for people with a brain aneurysm because it can increase the risk of bleeding.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery is often required to treat aneurysms, especially those at high risk of rupture. There are two main options for the surgical treatment of aneurysms:

Aneurysm removal surgery

This procedure involves removing the aneurysm and repairing the affected section of the artery. This involves replacing the damaged portion of the artery with a plastic or metal tube called a stent. The stent is fixed in place with sutures or clips.

The surgery is often performed under general anesthesia and requires a large incision in the abdomen or chest to access the aneurysm. After surgery, patients may remain in the hospital for several days to monitor their recovery.

This technique is usually used for larger aneurysms in hard-to-reach areas.

Endovascular surgery

Endovascular surgery is a procedure that involves inserting a microcatheter through a small incision in the damaged artery, then guiding the catheter to the aneurysm. Once the catheter is in place, a small stent is inserted to help support the artery wall and prevent the aneurysm from rupturing. This procedure is less invasive than traditional surgery, which means that recovery time may be shorter.

Embolization technique

Embolization is a less invasive treatment method that involves inserting a small catheter into the damaged artery and injecting a substance that hardens and blocks the aneurysm. This method is often used to treat brain aneurysms.

Stenting technique

Stenting is a surgical treatment method that involves inserting a small metal tube into the damaged artery through a small incision in the groin or arm and guiding it to the location of the aneurysm. Once in place, the stent reinforces the artery wall and prevents the aneurysm from rupturing. This technique is often used for smaller aneurysms located in more accessible areas (abdominal aortic aneurysms).