Arterial Aneurysms and Dissections

At Rex Vascular Specialists, we provide comprehensive care for all types of arterial aneurysms (a bulge in the wall of an artery) and arterial dissections (a tear in the artery wall) throughout the body. These conditions can occur in any artery but are most common in the carotid arteries, thoracic or abdominal aorta, mesenteric arteries, splenic artery, renal arteries and popliteal arteries. 

Our team of board-certified vascular surgeons offers a full range of treatment options, including minimally invasive endovascular procedures, open surgical repairs and bypass surgeries. Each treatment plan is customized based on the patient’s specific condition and overall health. 

What is an arterial aneurysm? 

An arterial aneurysm is an abnormal bulging or ballooning in the wall of a blood vessel. The weakness in the arterial wall may expand from several risk factors including: 

• Atherosclerosis (plaque build up in an artery) 
• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• Genetic conditions (family members who have had aneurysms) 
• Pregnancy 
• Tobacco or drug use 
• Trauma or infections 
• Obesity 
• Aging (older than 65) 

Aneurysms may not always cause symptoms, and many are discovered incidentally. However, symptoms — if they occur — vary depending on the location of the aneurysm.  

Aortic aneurysm (chest or abdomen) symptoms

Unruptured:

• Deep, constant pain in chest, back or abdomen 
• Pulsating sensation near the navel 

Ruptured: 

• Sudden, intense pain 
• Low blood pressure 
• Rapid heartbeat 
• Loss of consciousness 

 Peripheral aneurysm (legs, groin, neck) symptoms 

• Swelling or pain in the affected area 
• Pulsating lump 
• Numbness or weakness if blood flow is blocked 

We recommend discussing screening options with your primary care provider or a trusted healthcare professional, especially if you have risk factors. If any of these symptoms are continuous or worsening, you should seek emergency medical treatment. 

What is an arterial dissection? 

An arterial dissection occurs when there is a tear or weakening in the inner layer of an artery, which may lead to bulging or separation of the arterial wall layers. Causes and risk factors may include: 

• Trauma 
• High blood pressure 
• Connective tissue disorders (including Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) 
• Fibromuscular dysplasia 
• Inflammatory conditions 
• Atherosclerosis 
• Genetic predisposition 
• Illicit drug use 

Arterial dissection symptoms could vary depending on the artery involved and may include sudden, severe pain and signs of reduced blood flow or stroke. In some cases, you may not experience symptoms. 

Symptoms may include:  

Dissection 

• Sudden, severe chest or upper back pain (may feel like tearing or ripping) 
• Pain spreading to the neck, jaw or abdomen 
• Shortness of breath 
• Loss of consciousness 
• Stroke-like symptoms (including vision problems, slurred speech, weakness on one side) 
• Leg pain or difficulty walking 

Carotid or cervical artery dissection 

• Headache or neck pain 
• Eye or facial pain 
• Horner’s syndrome (drooping eyelid, small pupil, lack of sweating on one side) 
• Neurological deficits (including memory issues, balance problems) 
• Stroke symptoms (including numbness, weakness, confusion, slurred speech) 

 Other Arteries (including renal, iliac, mesenteric) 

• Localized pain (groin pain for iliac dissection, abdominal pain for mesenteric) 
• Organ dysfunction (including kidney failure, intestinal damage) 
• Reduced blood flow symptoms (including leg weakness, gangrene) 

When to seek help 

If you experience sudden severe pain, stroke-like symptoms or loss of consciousness, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Arterial dissections can be life-threatening and require urgent diagnosis and treatment. 

Treatment and follow-up care 

Not all aneurysms or dissections require immediate surgery. In many cases, we monitor these conditions over time using structured surveillance protocols and national clinical guidelines. When repair is needed, our team will guide you through the entire process — from diagnosis to post-operative care. 

If you need a repair, options may include: 

• Endovascular (minimally invasive) aneurysm repair (EVAR) 
• Open surgical repair 
• Bypass surgery 

The type of procedure you require will determine your hospital stay, recovery time and follow-up care. 

After your procedure, you can expect: 

• Regular follow-up appointments 
• Imaging studies (such as CT scans or ultrasounds) 
• Medications, including antiplatelets or anticoagulants, which are essential and must be taken exactly as prescribed 

At Rex Vascular Specialists, we are committed to helping you understand your condition, treatment options and what to expect every step of the way. Your health and safety are our top priorities.