Care for a bulging artery in the abdomen

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A visceral artery aneurysm is a bulging and weakening of the wall of an artery that bring blood to organs in the abdomen, including the intestines, kidneys, liver and spleen. As blood flows into the bulge, it can expand, increasing the risk of the aneurysm bursting.

If you have a visceral artery aneurysm, you’ll need regular monitoring to make sure it hasn’t grown too large or isn’t blocking normal blood flow. Our Vascular and Endovascular Program is at the forefront of treatments for vascular conditions such as this, and our doctors are known for their expertise and quality of care.

What are the symptoms and complications of a visceral artery aneurysm?

Small aneurysms may not cause any noticeable symptoms. Pain, numbness and swelling in the affected area are the most common symptoms of larger aneurysms. Blocked blood flow also may lead to high blood pressure.

Bursting, or rupture, is the most serious risk of any aneurysm. Severe pain in the affected area is a potential sign of a burst aneurysm. Without emergency care, a burst visceral artery aneurysm can be fatal. Call 911 right away if you think you have an aneurysm that has burst.

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Tests

Your doctor will order imaging scans to determine whether you have a visceral artery aneurysm and, if so, how severe it is. You may need regular tests to monitor your condition.

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Arterial Duplex Ultrasound for Arms and Legs

Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Pulse Volume Recording

Pulse volume recording tests are used to evaluate blood flow through the arteries in your arms or legs.

Treatments

Small visceral artery aneurysms may only need regular monitoring to watch for changes. If your aneurysm is too large, or if it bursts, you’ll need a procedure to repair the affected area.

Aneurysm Surgery

Aneurysm surgery is used to repair bulges in blood vessels after they have ruptured or to prevent them from rupturing. Surgery may take several approaches: traditional open surgery, a minimally invasive endovascular method or a hybrid of the two.

Vascular Disease Treatments

Vascular disease treatments address conditions that affect the blood vessels, which can cause blood flow to become decreased, interrupted or slowed.