cardiovascular disorders
Aortic Branch Aneurysms
Introduction
Aneurysms may occur in any major aortic branch; such aneurysms are much less common than abdominal or thoracic aortic aneurysms. Symptoms vary depending on the location and artery affected but may include pain in areas where the aneurysm compresses nearby structures. Diagnosis is made by ultrasonography or CT angiography. Treatment is endovascular stent grafting or surgery. (See also Overview of Aortic Aneurysms , Risk factors for aneurysms of aortic branch arteries include Atherosclerosis None Hypertension None Cigarette smoking Older age Localized infection can cause mycotic aneurysms. sometimes occur in patients with cervical ribs or Thoracic Outlet Compression Syndromes (TOS) . are uncommon. About 60% occur in the splenic artery, 20% in the hepatic artery, 5.5% in the superior mesenteric artery ( General reference ). are more common in women than men (4:1). Causes include medial Fibromuscular Dysplasia , Hepatic arteryaneurysms occur in more men than women (2:1). They may result from previous abdominal trauma, illicit IV drug use, medial degeneration of the arterial wall, or periarterial inflammation. may dissect or rupture, causing Acute renal artery occlusion . Superior mesenteric artery aneurysmsoccur equally in men and women. Causes include fibromuscular dysplasia, cystic medial necrosis, and trauma. 