Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease

Understanding and Treating Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease

Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease are dilations of arteries outside of the aorta and brain. Aneurysms are dilation of arteries due to weakening of the arterial wall. The most common places for these peripheral aneurysms are the popliteal artery behind the knee or the femoral artery in the thigh. Peripheral aneurysms can rupture or embolize and can lead to serious complications.

What Are Arterial Aneurysms?

Aneurysms are the abnormal bulging or ballooning of the arterial wall, aneurysms are caused by weakening of the arterial wall. This weaken of the arterial wall could be caused by an underlying vascular condition or a combination of other genetic and lifestyle habits or injuries. Aneurysms can develop in any blood vessel but are most common in arteries due to the high pressure of blood flow coming from the heart. When an artery wall weakens, the pressure can cause it to expand, forming an aneurysm. Small aneurysms may not cause noticeable symptoms, but as they grow, they can put pressure on nearby structures, restrict blood flow, or, in severe cases, rupture, leading to life-threatening bleeding. Aneurysms are particularly concerning in major arteries, such as the aorta and peripheral arteries in the legs, as their rupture or obstruction can lead to serious health complications.

Causes of Peripheral Aneurysms

Peripheral aneurysms are generally caused by a combination of factors that weaken the artery walls leading to the formation of an aneurysm. These factors including:

  • Chronic Smoking or Nicotine Exposure: Can result in weakening of the walls of arteries which can lead dilation of the vessels, i.e., peripheral aneurysm.
  • Genetics and Family History: A family history of aneurysms or vascular conditions can increase the likelihood of developing aneurysms in the aorta or peripheral arteries.
  • Age and Gender: Older adults, particularly men, are more prone to peripheral aneurysms.
  • Injury or Trauma: Past injuries or trauma to the blood vessels can increase the risk of aneurysm development in the affected area.
  • Infection and Inflammation: Certain infections or inflammatory conditions can contribute to arterial wall weakening which increases the likelihood of developing an arterial aneurysm.

These risk factors are common causes of aneurysms in peripheral arteries. These factors can cause or lead to structural weaknesses in the arterial walls, allowing the vessel to balloon outward under the pressure of blood flow against the weakened walls.

Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease Symptoms

Many patients with peripheral aneurysms don’t experience noticeable symptoms initially, especially if the aneurysm is small and in a less critical artery. As the aneurysm grows however, it may cause various symptoms depending on its location:

  • Pain or Swelling: A noticeable bulge, discomfort, or pain may occur around the site of the aneurysm. For peripheral aneurysms this will often be in the legs, ankles or feet.
  • Numbness or Tingling: If the aneurysm presses on nearby nerves, it can cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected limb. You may notice your feet going numb or tingling more often. This is a good indication to get a vascular checkup to be safe.
  • Poor Circulation: Symptoms such as coldness or a bluish color in the affected limb may indicate reduced blood flow. For peripheral aneurysms this will usually present in the legs, ankles or feet.
  • Claudication: Some patients may experience cramping pain when walking, especially if the aneurysm reduces blood flow to the leg due to embolism. For peripheral aneurysms in the legs this may cause pain that limits your ability to maintain an active lifestyle or regular movements.

If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to seek medical attention to assess the health of the arteries and determine if treatment is necessary. Contact Glendale Vascular for a thorough vascular checkup and to discuss any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Diagnostic Methods for Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease

Peripheral aneurysms are often detected through physical examination or imaging studies. Diagnostic methods include:
  • Vascular Ultrasound: Vascular ultrasounds are a non-invasive test using sound waves to visualize the structure of blood vessels and identify any abnormal bulging. This test is fast, non-invasive and can be used all over the body which is great for diagnostic reasons to be able to check multiple common peripheral arteries.
  • CT Angiography (CTA): A CT scan with contrast dye to provide detailed images of the blood vessels and to identify the size and location of the aneurysm.
  • MRI: MRIs can help provide clear images of the peripheral arteries and detect aneurysms and their severity, particularly in patients allergic to CT contrast dye.
  • Physical Examination: In some cases, a bulge from a peripheral aneurysm can be felt or seen through the skin, leading the physician to order further imaging tests for confirmation
Glendale Vascular uses various diagnostic tools to identify and diagnose vascular abnormalities including Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease. Advanced diagnostic methods allow our surgeons to determine the size, location, and severity of the aneurysm, which helps guide the best course of treatment.

Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease Treatment Options

Treatment for peripheral aneurysms depends on their size, location, and risk of complications. Common treatment approaches include:
  • Endovascular Procedures: In cases where the aneurysm is large or causing symptoms, an endovascular procedure may be recommended. This minimally invasive operation involves inserting a catheter through a small incision to place a stent graft in the artery. The stent graft reinforces the weakened arterial wall, in turn protecting the artery and blood flow.
  • Vascular Surgery Treatments: For more complex aneurysm cases, open vascular surgery may be necessary. During these procedures, the surgeon removes or bypasses the aneurysm using a graft (often from the patient’s own vein or a synthetic material) to redirect blood flow around the weakened area. Surgical repair is generally more invasive than endovascular methods but may be preferred for certain types of peripheral aneurysms.
  • Thrombolytic Therapy: Also known as, fibrinolytic therapy, this treatment method is used if a blood clot is detected in the peripheral artery. Blood clots can cause aneurysms and aneurysms can cause blood clots. Thrombolytic medications may be administered to dissolve the clot, restoring blood flow and reducing the risk of blood flow and aneurysmal complications. This approach is often used in combination with other surgical treatments to address the underlying causes of the blood clot.
These treatment options aim to stabilize the artery, restore normal blood flow and prevent future complications. The board-certified surgeons at Glendale Vascular will walk the patient through the treatment options available for Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease.

Prognosis for Peripheral Aneurysms

With timely treatment and proper management, many patients with peripheral aneurysms experience positive outcomes and can maintain a good quality of life. Regular follow-up appointments and imaging tests are essential to monitor the health of the arteries and check for any changes in the aneurysm. Additionally, adopting a circulation healthy lifestyle, including, blood pressure management, a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and consistent exercise and stretching can help reduce the risk of aneurysm growth or reoccurrence.

Contact Glendale Vascular for Peripheral Aneurysmal Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peripheral aneurysmal disease or are experiencing pain, numbness, or poor circulation in your legs, ankles, feet or other parts of the body, Glendale Vascular is here to help. Our experienced team provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options for peripheral aneurysms.Contact Glendale Vascular today to schedule a consultation to learn more about managing and treating peripheral aneurysms for improved health and quality of life.