Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm diagnosis

Mostly they are an incidental finding when a patient is being examined for another ailment. If suspected the investigations ordered are:

• Abdominal ultrasound – It is a non-invasive test where it is possible to know the presence of the aneurysm and the size.
• CT Scan – It is possible to produce a three-dimensional picture of the aneurysm.
• MRI Scan – magnets and radio waves produce a 2 dimensional and 3-dimensional pictures of the target area.
• Screening program – for the asymptomatic over 60 years of regular smokers or a family history of AAA.

Cerebral aneurysms diagnosis

This is suspected in patients with sudden severe headache, pain behind the eyes, vision changes, paralysis of one side of the face should have the following tests:

• CT Scan – create a 3-dimensional picture of the target area. Multidetector computerized tomography (MDCT) angiography is highly accurate in detecting intracranial aneurysms.
• Cerebrospinal fluid test – in cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage there will be RBCs in the CSF. This is indicated for patients who have symptoms of the ruptured aneurysm but CT was negative. It is a lumbar puncture or spinal tap.
• MRI Scan – is better than CT in detecting a ruptured aneurysm.
• CT Angiogram – Shows a rupture of the aneurysm. It is only used when others have failed as it is an invasive procedure.

Content Reviewed by – Dr. Jaisom Chopra