17620 Visceral Artery Aneurysm

Overview

A visceral artery aneurysm is a small, balloon-like bulge in the wall of an artery that carries blood to an organ inside your belly, such as the spleen, liver, kidneys, pancreas, or intestines. It is similar to an aneurysm in other parts of the body, but it happens in one of the arteries that supply your internal organs. Many of these aneurysms are small and cause no problems, but some can grow larger or rupture (split open), which can cause serious internal bleeding.

No, visceral artery aneurysms are rare. They make up a very small fraction of all aneurysms. Most doctors may see only a few cases in their whole career.

It can affect anyone, but it is more common in adults over 50 years old. Some types are more common in women than in men, and certain rare health conditions can increase the risk in younger people.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people have no symptoms at all.
• Some people feel a dull pain in the belly or back.
• A feeling of fullness or a pulsating lump in the belly is possible but rare.
• Nausea or vomiting can occur if the aneurysm presses on nearby organs.

Symptoms in children

• Visceral artery aneurysms are very rare in children.
• When they happen, symptoms are the same as in adults: belly pain, back pain, or no symptoms at all.
• Children with certain rare genetic conditions may be more at risk.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have more risk of rupture because blood vessels can become more fragile with age.
• They may also have other health conditions like high blood pressure, which can put extra strain on the aneurysm.
• Symptoms can be the same as in younger adults, but sometimes they are less specific, like tiredness or poor appetite.

Causes

Main causes

• Weakening of the artery wall, which can happen for no clear reason
• High blood pressure that puts extra pressure on the artery wall
• Atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of fat and cholesterol inside the artery
• Injury to the belly or back area
• An infection in the blood that reaches the artery wall
• Inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis)
• Connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome, which affect the strength of blood vessel walls

Risk factors

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• High cholesterol
• Being older than 50
• Having a family history of aneurysms
• Having a connective tissue disorder
• Having had an injury to the belly area

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden severe belly or back pain, call your local emergency number immediately.
• If you feel dizzy, faint, or have a racing heart, seek emergency care right away.
• If you notice any signs of internal bleeding, such as very dark stool or blood in your urine, get urgent medical help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a persistent dull ache in your belly or back that is not severe, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss it.
• If you have risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, or a family history of aneurysms, talk to your doctor about your overall vascular health.
• If you have been diagnosed with an aneurysm and you experience any new or changing symptoms, see your specialist sooner rather than later.

Diagnosis

Visceral artery aneurysms are often found by chance when you have an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI for another reason. If your doctor suspects you might have one, they can order one of these imaging tests to look at the blood vessels in your belly. The test will show the size, shape, and location of the aneurysm, and whether it is causing any problems.

Tests that may be done

• Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create a picture of your belly and blood vessels.
• CT scan (computed tomography): This takes detailed X-ray pictures to show the aneurysm clearly.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This uses magnetic fields to create detailed images, often with a contrast dye to highlight blood vessels.
• Angiography: This is a special X-ray that uses dye injected into the blood vessels to see them clearly. It is sometimes done before treatment.

What to expect at your appointment

Most of these tests are painless and don't take long. You may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before a CT or MRI, especially if a contrast dye is used. The doctor will explain the results and what they mean for you. You will likely be referred to a vascular specialist who can plan the best way to keep you safe.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size of the aneurysm, its location, whether it is causing symptoms, and your overall health. Small aneurysms that cause no symptoms may not need treatment; you would just have regular scans to check if they grow. Larger aneurysms, or ones that cause symptoms, are usually treated to prevent rupture. The goal of treatment is to keep the aneurysm from bleeding and to protect your organ's blood supply.

Self-care at home

• Keep your blood pressure under control with a healthy lifestyle and any medications prescribed by your doctor.
• If you smoke, ask your doctor or pharmacist about support to help you quit.
• Attend all your follow-up appointments and imaging scans.
• Tell your doctor about any new or worsening symptoms.
• Stay active and eat a heart-healthy diet, as long as it is safe for you.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medication to control high blood pressure, which reduces stress on the aneurysm. They may also recommend medications to lower cholesterol if that is a concern. Do not start any new medication on your own; talk to your healthcare provider about what is right for you. The goal is to manage risk factors that could make the aneurysm worse.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery or a minimally invasive procedure is considered if the aneurysm is large, growing quickly, or causing symptoms. The two main approaches are endovascular repair (a tube called a stent is placed inside the artery to block off the aneurysm) and open surgery (the aneurysm is removed or repaired through a cut in the belly). Your specialist will discuss which option is safest for you based on the exact location of the aneurysm and your overall health.

Living with this condition

Living with a visceral artery aneurysm can feel worrying at first, but most people manage well. If your doctor recommends monitoring, you will have regular scans and check-ups. Try to keep a routine, stay active within your comfort level, and keep in touch with your care team. It is important to know the warning signs of a rupture so you can get help fast if needed.

Lifestyle tips

• If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important things you can do for your blood vessels.
• Manage your blood pressure by taking any prescribed medicines and checking your levels at home if advised.
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
• Stay physically active with moderate exercise like walking, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Limit alcohol, as too much can raise blood pressure.
• Try to reduce stress with relaxation techniques, hobbies, or spending time with the people you care about.

Diet and exercise

A heart-healthy diet can help keep your arteries strong and reduce risk factors. That means less salt, saturated fat, and refined sugar, and more fiber, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Gentle exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling is usually safe, but check with your doctor about what is appropriate for you. Avoid heavy lifting or intense straining, which can temporarily raise your blood pressure.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding out you have an aneurysm can make you feel anxious or worried about the future. It is normal to have these feelings. Talk to your doctor about your concerns, and consider speaking with a counselor or psychologist if the worry becomes overwhelming. Remember that most aneurysms are either stable or treatable, and you are taking an active step to stay healthy.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent a visceral artery aneurysm because some are caused by genes or happen spontaneously. However, you can reduce your risk by keeping your blood pressure in a healthy range, not smoking, managing cholesterol, and staying physically active. These steps also help protect your arteries in general and lower your chance of other vascular problems.

Screening programmes

Screening is not routinely recommended for the general public because the condition is so rare. However, if you have a strong family history of aneurysms or a connective tissue disorder, your doctor may suggest regular imaging tests to check your arteries. Discuss your personal risk with your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• Rupture: This is when the aneurysm splits open, causing severe internal bleeding. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.
• Thrombosis: A blood clot can form inside the aneurysm, which may travel to block a smaller artery further on.
• Organ ischaemia: The organ that the artery supplies may not get enough blood, which can damage it.
• Compression: In rare cases, a large aneurysm can press on nearby organs, causing pain or digestive symptoms.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with a visceral artery aneurysm is generally very good, especially when it is found early. Small aneurysms that are monitored usually remain stable, and many will never need treatment. For those that do need treatment, modern procedures have high success rates and are getting safer all the time. By working closely with your healthcare team and following their advice, most people can live a full and active life.

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