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Aneurysm description

An aneurysm is a fluid-filled pouch that forms as a result of a separation in the wall of a blood vessel. It usually occurs in a weak area of an artery’s wall where the blood pressure forces the weakened area to bulge outward.

An aneurysm can rupture resulting in internal bleeding. A large rupture may be rapidly fatal. A small one, sometimes termed a leak, may produce warning symptoms that allow people to seek medical care.

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Review Date: 5/13/2014

Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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