Peripheral arterial aneurysms are abnormal widening of the peripheral arteries caused by a weakness of the arterial wall (overview of aortic aneurysms).
About 70% of peripheral arterial aneurysms are aneurysms of the popliteal artery, 20% are iliofemoral aneurysms. Aneurysms in these locations often accompany abdominal aortic aneurysms and> 50% are bilateral front. A rupture is relatively rare, but these aneurysms may lead to thromboembolism. They occur in men much more often than women (> 20: 1); the mean age at onset is 65 years. Aneurysms of the brachial arteries are relatively rare, they can be an ischemia of the arm, distal embolism and cause a stroke.
Peripheral arterial aneurysms are abnormal widening of the peripheral arteries caused by a weakness of the arterial wall (overview of aortic aneurysms). About 70% of peripheral arterial aneurysms are aneurysms of the popliteal artery, 20% are iliofemoral aneurysms. Aneurysms in these locations often accompany abdominal aortic aneurysms and> 50% are bilateral front. A rupture is relatively rare, but these aneurysms may lead to thromboembolism. They occur in men much more often than women (> 20: 1); the mean age at onset is 65 years. Aneurysms of the brachial arteries are relatively rare, they can be an ischemia of the arm, distal embolism and cause a stroke. Infectious (mycotic) aneurysms can occur in any artery, but are observed in the femoral artery most often. They are usually (the syphilis agent) caused by salmonella, staphylococcus or Treponema pallidum. Common reasons are atherosclerosis, entrapment of the popliteal artery and septic embolism (which can cause mycotic aneurysms). Peripheral arterial aneurysms are usually asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. By thrombosis or embolism (or rarely, aneurysm rupture) can hurt the extremities and cold, his pale, parästhetisch or without pulse. Infectious aneurysms may cause local pain, fever, malaise and weight loss. The diagnosis is made by ultrasound, MRI or CT. Aneurysms of the popliteal artery can be suspected when an enlarged pulsating artery is detected on physical examination; The diagnosis is confirmed by imaging methods. The risk of rupture of aneurysms of the extremities is extremely low (<5% for popliteal and 1 to 14% for iliofemoral aneurysms). For aneurysms of the leg arteries surgery is therefore often elective. It is indicated when the arteries are twice as large as normal or if the patient is symptomatic. However, surgical treatment is indicated for all aneurysms of the brachial arteries because serious complications (eg. as thromboembolism) are to be feared. The affected segment is excised and replaced with a graft. The rate for the limb preservation is 90 to 98% for asymptomatic patients and in 70 to 80% for symptomatic patients. In certain patients an endovascular stent graft is another treatment alternative.