Understanding Aneurysm - Diagnosis & Treatment

How Is an Aneurysm Diagnosed?

To diagnose an aneurysm, your doctor will first ask you many questions including whether another member of your family has had an aneurysm. Then, he or she will perform a complete examination often including listening to your heart, checking your blood pressure, listening to the arteries in your neck, and feeling your abdomen for a mass.

If your doctor suspects that you have an aneurysm in your chest or abdomen, an ultrasound test may be performed to visualize the blood vessels. This is a painless test that can accurately pinpoint and measure an aneurysm. If an aneurysm in the chest is suspected, a similar, but slightly more invasive test called transesophageal echocardiogram may be used. During this procedure, a device called an endoscope is inserted through the mouth and into the esophagus. This allows the doctor to take an ultrasound picture of certain types of thoracic (chest) aneurysms.

If your doctor is concerned that you have a cerebral aneurysm, it is likely an even more invasive test called an angiogram will be requested. During this procedure, dye is injected into an artery in the arm or leg and travels to the brain where any abnormality can be detected by imaging.

Additional tests that may be useful in diagnosing an aneurysm include:

• Chest X Ray. This test may be useful in detecting large thoracic aneurysms.
• CAT scan. A highly accurate but more expensive test for assessing both abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
• MRI. A test that is useful in the assessment of both abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms.

What Are the Treatments for an Aneurysm?

The only way to get rid of an aneurysm is to have it surgically removed -- often a risky procedure, but highly effective when successful. Sometimes, however, surgery is impossible, or it may pose more danger than the aneurysm.  Careful monitoring and drug therapy may then be the best course.

Conventional Medicine for an Aneurysm

Your doctor will probably determine the size, type, and location of an aneurysm using any of various imaging techniques (see previous page). This information will help determine the best course of treatment.

For inoperable aneurysms, you may be prescribed drugs that lower your blood pressure or reduce the force of your heart's contractions, thereby minimizing the risk of a rupture. But even for an operable aneurysm, your doctor may first try drug therapy and advise a wait-and-see approach, with periodic testing to track the aneurysm's growth.

You may need surgery if your doctor finds that the aneurysm has become dangerously swollen. A surgeon can neutralize an aneurysm by inserting a clip that cuts off blood flow to the affected area. An aneurysm may also be removed and the section of artery replaced with a synthetic graft.

Alternative Therapy for an Aneurysm

The following treatments -- all primarily intended to prevent aneurysms -- should be pursued along with, not instead of, your doctor's orders.

Mind/Body Medicine: Keeping your mind and body relaxed may prevent an aneurysm from worsening. Try stress-relieving exercises that you can do at home such as yoga or meditation.

Nutrition and Diet: Dietary changes that lower blood pressure and slow atherosclerosis may help prevent an aneurysm from developing.

How Can I Prevent an Aneurysm?

Know if you are at risk for an aneurysm and take appropriate steps to keep one from forming. If you have a family history of stroke or heart disease, make changes in your diet and lifestyle to improve your overall health. 

Exercise regularly, watch what you eat, and if you smoke, stop.