Venous Aneurysm | Symptoms | MedStar Health

A bulge in a weakened area of your vein

Venous aneurysms form along a weakened wall of a vein, most often in your legs, abdomen, or neck. Aneurysms that burst can cause severe internal bleeding. Clots can also form in the aneurysms, leading to pulmonary emboli. Our surgeons in the vascular and endovascular program have a great deal of experience treating aneurysms, including using minimally invasive techniques.

An aneurysm may be felt as a soft, painful mass with swelling in the nearby limbs. Patients with venous aneurysms are also at higher risk for deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and stroke.

Tests

Diagnosing a venous aneurysm is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures depending on the location of the aneurysm.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your heart.

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Treatments

Our heart and vascular teams work together and with other specialties to develop and implement individualized plans to treat a wide variety of conditions. This could include lifestyle modifications, medication, or more advanced treatments.

Aneurysm surgery

Aneurysm surgery is used to repair bulges in blood vessels after they have ruptured or to prevent them from rupturing. Surgery may take several approaches: traditional open surgery, a minimally invasive endovascular method or a hybrid of the two.

Venous disease treatments

Venous disease treatment may include medications, minimally invasive and surgical procedures to improve blood flow and circulation.

Additional information

Vascular and endovascular program

Partner with a recognized leader in offering care ranging from straightforward vascular disease to the most complex vascular disorders.

Ask MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute

Have general questions for our heart and vascular program? Email us at AskMHVI@medstar.net. If you have clinically-specific questions, please contact your physician’s office.