What is an aneurysm and can one be discovered before it ruptures?
A. An aneurysm is a “ballooning” of a portion of an artery. Aneurysms can occur in virtually any artery in the body. They occur in the aorta in approximately 7% of men over the age of 60. The body scan reveals the entire aorta from where it leaves the heart to where it divides in the legs. If discovered early, a significantly large aneurysm can be surgically repaired and rupture prevented. Aneurysms can also occur in the arteries of the brain. They are less common. Discovering them requires injecting dye into a vein before scanning. For most people this is not necessary. Those with a history of family members who have died from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm may be appropriate for a vascular brain scan.
