Aneurysms

An aneurysm is a localised, blood-filled dilation (bulge) of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall. Aneurysms can occur anywhere where there is a blood vessel, but most commonly in arteries at the base of the brain (the circle of Willis) and in the aorta (the main artery coming out of the heart) - which is called an aortic aneurysm. Aortic aneurysms can occur in the abdomen and also the thoracic aorta. Abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs below the renal arteries and accounts for the majority of cases. Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur in about 25% of cases and are l...