Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease
Sydney Vascular Surgeon - Dr Mayo Theivendran
What is peripheral aneurysmal disease?
A potentially serious condition that can be successfully treated
Aneurysmal disease is a condition involving the weakening and enlargement of blood vessels.
These weakened areas can lead to various types of aneurysms (bulges) in the arteries. These commonly occur in arteries of the legs and arteries supplying the major organs.
What causes aneurysmal disease?
The precise cause of aneurysmal disease is not always clear, but there are certain factors that contribute to its development. The primary causes include:
Age: As people age, their blood vessels can become less flexible and more prone to developing aneurysms.
Gender: Men are more likely to develop aneurysms than women.
Atherosclerosis: This condition involves the build-up of fatty deposits (plaques) on the inner walls of blood vessels, leading to inflammation and weakening of the artery walls.
Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in aneurysmal disease. If your close relatives have had aneurysms, you might be at a higher risk.
High blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to aneurysm formation.
Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for aneurysms as it promotes atherosclerosis and weakens artery walls.
Pregnancy: If you have an abdominal aneurysm and become pregnant, the aneurysm may grow rapidly and require repair.
Infection: Some infections can weaken the walls of blood vessels.
What are the symptoms of an aneurysm?
POOR BLOOD FLOW
- If there is poor blood flow to the organs, you may experience organ dysfunction
- If there is poor blood flow to your legs, you may experience pain in your limbs.
RUPTURE
- Sudden pain
- Collapse
- Death
OFTEN ASYMPTOMATIC
Found incidentally
How is aneurysmal disease diagnosed?
Early diagnosis of aneurysmal disease is essential to assess the risks of complications. Several diagnostic methods are employed:
Ultrasound
This is a non-invasive test using sound waves to create images of the blood vessels, providing information about the size and location of an aneurysm.
Computed tomography (CT) scan
A CT scan produces detailed cross-sectional images that can help determine the size and shape of the aneurysm.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
An MRI scan uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images that are helpful in diagnosing aneurysms.
Angiography
In this procedure, a contrast dye is injected into the blood vessels, and X-rays are taken to provide clear images of the arteries.
Do I have to get treatment for my aneurysm?
Whether you need to have your aneurysm repaired depends on its location and the likelihood of complications. Generally, if the aneurysm is more than 5cm in size, your doctor will recommend surgery.
A peripheral artery aneurysm is treated if there’s a risk it could cause a blockage or rupture.
What are the complications of aneurysmal disease?
If left untreated, aneurysmal disease can lead to severe complications, including:
Aneurysm rupture
The most critical complication is the rupture of the aneurysm. This can cause life-threatening internal bleeding and is considered a medical emergency.
Blood clots
Aneurysms can promote the formation of a blood clot, which affects blood flow to the limbs or vital organs.
Embolism
Embolisms are small pieces of a blood clot or plaque that break off and travel to other parts of your body, leading to complications, depending on where they end up.
How is aneurysmal disease treated?
The treatment approach for aneurysmal disease depends on the size and location of the aneurysm, as well as your overall health. There are two primary treatment options:
Medications
Medications are typically used to manage aneurysms and associated risk factors. These may include:
Blood pressure medications: Controlling high blood pressure is crucial to prevent further damage to the weakened blood vessel walls.
Cholesterol-lowering medications: Reducing cholesterol levels can help slow down the progression of atherosclerosis, which is often a contributing factor to aneurysms.
Blood thinners: These blood-thinning medications can help prevent blood clots from forming within the aneurysm.
Beta-blockers: Your doctor my prescribe one of these blood pressure lowering drugs to reduce the risk of an aneurysm rupturing.
Surgical procedures for aneurysmal disease
ELECTIVE SURGERY
Elective surgery performed prior to any complications from the aneurysm.
URGENT SURGICAL INTERVENTION
Urgent surgical intervention may be necessary for a large or rapidly-growing aneurysm, or in situation of rupture or blockage.
Endovascular intervention
Bypass of blocked aneurysm
If a blood clot has formed within the aneurysm, this procedure may be used to bypass the blockage.
How Dr Theivendran can help
If you’ve been diagnosed with an arterial aneurysm and non-surgical treatments haven’t worked, ask your treating doctor for a referral to Dr Theivendran an experienced Vascular and Endovascular surgeon.
He will assess your condition and, if appropriate, discuss surgical options that can repair the aneurysm and bring peace of mind.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact our rooms on (02) 9066 6547
For appointments and enquiries:
Monday - Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm
Fax: (02) 9182 7533
