Peripheral Aneurysm

A peripheral aneurysm, also called a peripheral artery aneurysm, is an enlargement or weakened area in an artery other than your aorta or brain, often in your legs or neck.

The vascular surgeons at UPMC are experts in treating peripheral aneurysms. Depending on the extent of your condition, we may use minimally invasive techniques or open surgical repair.

Our team approach to care means a quick and accurate diagnosis and a peripheral aneurysm treatment plan that’s right for you.

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What Is Peripheral Aneurysm?

An aneurysm is an enlargement or weakened area of an artery. Aneurysms are more common in the aorta — your body’s largest blood vessel — but can occur in any artery.

A peripheral aneurysm is an enlargement or weakened area in an artery other than your aorta, often in your legs or neck. A leg aneurysm is usually in the popliteal artery, which runs down the back of the lower thigh and knee.

Other possible areas where aneurysms may develop include your:

Carotid artery.
Femoral artery.
Arteries in the arms.
Kidney or bowel.
Intestinal arteries.
Renal arteries.

Peripheral aneurysms can be serious if left untreated. While the risk of a rupture (when the aneurysm bursts) is low, they can lead to blood clots. Blood clots block blood flow, or pieces of the clot can travel to other parts of your body. If a clot blocks blood flow for an extended time, this can lead to tissue or organ damage.

How common is peripheral aneurysm?

Popliteal artery aneurysms are rare and occur more frequently in men than women.

What are the types of peripheral aneurysms?

Mesenteric (splenic, hepatic, or celiac) aneurysm – Occurs in an artery located in the abdomen, but not in your aorta.
Renal aneurysm – Occurs in the artery that supplies blood to your kidneys.
Femoral aneurysm – Occurs in an artery in your groin.
Popliteal aneurysm– The most common leg aneurysm occurs in the popliteal artery that runs down the back of your leg.
Carotid aneurysm – Occurs in the carotid artery in your neck that supplies blood to the brain.

What causes peripheral aneurysm?

Peripheral aneurysms affect both men and women.

They are most common in people who have:

A family history of aneurysms.
Issues with the structure of their blood vessel walls like connective tissue disorders.
A history of smoking.
Had an aneurysm before.

Women may get splenic aneurysms during pregnancy, and they are more common among women who have had many children. The splenic artery supplies blood to the spleen, stomach, and parts of the pancreas.

What are peripheral aneurysm risk factors and complications?

Peripheral aneurysm risk factors

Age – Peripheral aneurysms are most often diagnosed in people in their 60s and 70s.
Gender –Leg artery aneurysms are more common in men.
Smoking – Smoking is a known risk factor for aneurysms.
High blood pressure – High blood pressure can cause atherosclerosis and increase the risk of peripheral aneurysms.
High cholesterol – High cholesterol can contribute to atherosclerosis, which is a risk factor for peripheral aneurysms.
Obesity – Being overweight is a risk factor for peripheral aneurysms.
Family history – A family history of heart or vascular disease can increase the risk of peripheral aneurysms.
Blood vessel wall structure – Connective tissue disorders can increase the risk of peripheral aneurysms.

Complications of peripheral aneurysm

Although peripheral aneurysms have a low risk of rupture, they can lead to blood clots, which may block blood flow or travel to other areas of the body.

If a clot blocks blood flow for an extended time, this can lead to tissue or organ damage.

Peripheral aneurysms may also put pressure on surrounding nerves or veins. This can cause pain, numbness, or swelling.

How can I reduce my risks of peripheral aneurysm?

Manage your blood pressure through lifestyle changes or by taking medication.
Manage your cholesterol levels through diet, exercise, and medication if necessary.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise regularly, every day or for 150 minutes per week.
Quit smoking, including vaping.
Adopt a heart-friendly diet.

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What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Peripheral Aneurysm?

Peripheral aneurysms don't always cause symptoms. Your doctor may diagnose a peripheral aneurysm by chance during an exam or while testing for other health problems.

Symptoms of peripheral aneurysm

Mesenteric (splenic, hepatic, or celiac) aneurysm symptoms include:

Stomach pain.
Fainting.
Feeling full soon after eating.

Renal aneurysms symptoms include:

Uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Flank pain.

Leg peripheral aneurysms symptoms include:

Sudden leg pain.
Weakness or numbness in your leg.
Painful or discolored toes.

When should I see a doctor about my peripheral aneurysm symptoms?

Many peripheral aneurysms are detected when you visit your doctor for another reason. However, you should make an appointment to see your doctor if you feel a pulsating mass behind a knee or in the groin, are in a high-risk group, or are experiencing ongoing pain.

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How Do You Diagnose Peripheral Aneurysm?

To diagnose a peripheral aneurysm, your vascular surgeon will:

Ask about your symptoms.
Discuss your medical history.
Perform a thorough physical exam.

Your surgeon may also use painless imaging tests to confirm a peripheral aneurysm diagnosis, including:

Angiography – Uses an x-ray and contrast dye to show blockages in your blood vessels.
Computerized tomographic (CT) scan – This imaging test uses cross-sectional x-rays and a computer to create detailed 3D images.
Duplex ultrasound – This painless test uses sound waves to create images of the arteries in your legs. It also enables your doctor to measure blood flow through your arteries.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – MRI uses a large magnetic field, radio waves, and computers to create detailed images of your veins.