Diagnosis
It is estimated that most people who have an aneurysm are not aware that they have one. Most often it is discovered by chance during a routine examination, or when it has already burst. For all aneurysms (suspected or confirmed), a doctor will perform specific tests, depending on the type.
In case of a brain aneurysm:
- CT scan: helps identify the location and determine if there is bleeding in the brain.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): to visualize the arteries in detail and identify the site of the aneurysm.
- Lumbar puncture: to detect blood in the cerebrospinal fluid in case of aneurysm rupture.
- Cerebral angiography: This provides an image of the blood vessels in the brain to detect a problem with vessels and blood flow. The procedure involves inserting a catheter (a small, thin tube) into an artery in the leg and passing it up to the blood vessels in the brain. Contrast dye is injected through the catheter and X-ray images are taken of the blood vessels.
Often the patient undergoes one of these examinations for a completely different reason, and a previously unknown aneurysm is discovered by chance.
In case of an abdominal aneurysm:
In most cases, an abdominal aortic aneurysm does not cause any symptoms. It is sometimes discovered during a medical examination by abdominal palpation or it may be associated with abdominal or back pain. An ultrasound of the aorta is the easiest way to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
In case of a thoracic aneurysm:
Chest X-rays often detect the aneurysm but do not allow a precise analysis of the aorta. The thoracic CT scan with iodine injection is the reference examination that allows the diagnosis to be made.
