Fusiform aneurysm [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Fusiform aneurysm ======

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A fusiform [[aneurysm]] is a type of aneurysm that affects an artery, causing it to widen along the vessel's length, resulting in a spindle-like shape rather than the sac-like bulge of saccular aneurysms. These aneurysms involve a dilation of the entire circumference of the blood vessel, typically affecting larger arteries. Unlike saccular aneurysms, which are often focal and have a "neck," fusiform aneurysms lack a defined neck, making them more challenging to treat surgically.

Key points about fusiform aneurysms include:

1. **Causes**: They can result from various factors, such as atherosclerosis, infection, or congenital vessel wall weakness. Some are idiopathic, meaning they arise without a known cause.

2. **Location**: Fusiform aneurysms commonly appear in the vertebrobasilar circulation in the brain, particularly in the basilar artery, as well as in the aorta.

3. **Symptoms**: These aneurysms might be asymptomatic initially but can lead to symptoms if they enlarge or compress nearby structures. In the brain, symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, cranial nerve deficits, or ischemic events if blood flow is disrupted.

4. **Risks**: Fusiform aneurysms carry a risk of rupture, though the risk varies depending on the size and location. Additionally, they may lead to vessel thrombosis (clot formation), which can cause ischemia (reduced blood flow) and subsequent neurological deficits.

5. **Treatment**: Treatment options are limited and depend on the aneurysm's size, location, and symptoms. Options include endovascular approaches like flow diverters or stent grafts that redirect blood flow away from the aneurysm, or in some cases, surgical bypass procedures. Treatment can be complex due to the lack of a defined neck and involvement of larger segments of the artery.

Fusiform aneurysms require careful monitoring and, in some cases, intervention to prevent rupture or ischemic complications.

===== Intracranial fusiform aneurysm =====
see [[Intracranial fusiform aneurysm]].