Cerebral Aneurysm Images

The illustrations describe different causes of cerebral aneurysms. Saccular aneurysms typically are related to blood flow resulting in damage to the arterial wall. They typically occur at branch points and/or at points where the arteries turn. Atherosclerotic aneurysms can be the result of damage to the artery wall from plaque formation. The weakened artery wall can then expand and form an aneurysm. Mycotic aneurysms are formed when infections reside in the artery wall. The infection and resulting inflammation can weaken the artery wall, allowing aneurysm formation. These aneurysms typically involve the entire vessel rather than being a focal outpouching like a saccular aneurysm. Traumatic aneurysms result from direct injury to the vessel.