An aneurysm (or aneurism) is a localized dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel. Aneurysms most commonly occur in arteries at the base of the brain and in the main artery coming out of the heart.
If a cerebral aneurism ruptures, the resultant blood flow (hemorrhage) usually results in a stroke. It is estimated that about three out of five people who have a stroke as a result of a ruptured cerebral aneurism will die within a year, and that about one in five will be disabled.
More inclusively, aneurysm is known as ectasia, ectasis, and ectasy. For example,
- Atelectasis is the dilation of lungs of newborn
- Bronchiectasis is of bronchial tubes
- Phlebectasia is of vein
- Sialectasis is of the ducts of the salivary glands, especially the parotids
- Telangiectasis is of small blood vessels
- Trichangiectasia is of capillaries
