What is a Peripheral Aneurysm?

A peripheral aneurysm is the weakening in the wall of a blood vessel in your abdomen or sometimes in a leg which results in an abnormally dilated area. This dilated area is prone to:

• Clotting off and interrupting blood flow.
• Rupturing and causing serious bleeding.
• Compressing adjacent tissues. 

Usually Genetic, Rarely Occur

• Peripheral aneurysms are usually genetic; that is, you are born with the tendency to form them.
• Peripheral aneurysms in the legs are very rare, affecting 0.007% of men, and even fewer women.
• 5-10% of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) may also have a peripheral aneurysm, and about 40% of patients with a peripheral aneurysm, also have a AAA.

• May Be Absent: Many peripheral aneurysms cause no symptoms and are found when your doctor does a physical or performs testing for other reasons. 
• Sudden Pain, Weakness, Swelling, Numbness in the Leg: May signal interrupted blood flow an aneurysm in your leg. In rare cases, may indicate compression of nearby nerves or compression of a vein next to the aneurysm.
• Painful, Discolored Toe: “Blue toes” may indicate the presence of small blood clots washed down from elsewhere. This condition heals on its own in 2-3 months.

Some Specific Causes of Peripheral Aneurysms Include:

• If family members have had an aneurysm you are more likely to have one. 
• Having one peripheral aneurysm increases the risk of developing another one elsewhere. 
• Smoking is the major controllable cause of aneurysm growth. 
• For women, splenic aneurysms in the abdomen have a tendency to grow during pregnancy and are more common for mothers who have had many children.

Peripheral aneurysms are often identified in a physical exam. If so, make an appointment to see a vascular surgeon.

Tests May Be Recommended

• If a peripheral aneurysm is suspected, duplex ultrasound and computerized tomography (CT) scans are good tests to confirm its presence. 
• If your vascular surgeon prescribes treatment, a computerized tomography (CT) angiography or catheter angiography may be needed.

If you develop a peripheral aneurysm, it will not go away unless treated.

• Most peripheral aneurysms over 2 cm in diameter require treatment.
• In some cases, even smaller aneurysms may require treatment