open access
Vol 12, No 1 (2006)
Review paper
Published online: 2006-03-27
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The varying morphology and aetiology of arterial aneurysms. A historical review
Acta Angiologica 2006;12(1):1-6.
open access
Vol 12, No 1 (2006)
Review papers
Published online: 2006-03-27
Abstract
Swelling of the arteries of the extremities is an old disease and has been first reported in ancient Egyptian and
Indian texts. The term ‘aneurysm’ has been introduced in the first century by Ruphus from Ephesus. From
the beginning, distinction was made between spontaneous and posttraumatic aneurysms. Spontaneous aneurysms
were mostly considered to be related to debilitation due to exertion. While the majority of traumatic
aneurysms were due to accidental pricking of an artery during bloodletting.
Arterial aneurysms of the aorta and its side branches were first reported in the 16th century. However, it has to be taken into consideration that post-mortem exams were not done before the Renaissance. Most aortic aneurysms were saccular, eroding the neighbouring organs. This is typical for syphilitic aneurysms. However, although suspected, syphilis has not been recognized as the primary cause of aortic aneurysm until the end of the 19th century. In the mean time, fusiform ‘degenerative atherosclerotic’ aneurysms, especially on the abdominal aorta, became more frequent. It is now generally accepted that the cause of this aneurysm is multifactorial and exciting scientific research is actually done to elucidate this complex pathology.
Arterial aneurysms of the aorta and its side branches were first reported in the 16th century. However, it has to be taken into consideration that post-mortem exams were not done before the Renaissance. Most aortic aneurysms were saccular, eroding the neighbouring organs. This is typical for syphilitic aneurysms. However, although suspected, syphilis has not been recognized as the primary cause of aortic aneurysm until the end of the 19th century. In the mean time, fusiform ‘degenerative atherosclerotic’ aneurysms, especially on the abdominal aorta, became more frequent. It is now generally accepted that the cause of this aneurysm is multifactorial and exciting scientific research is actually done to elucidate this complex pathology.
Abstract
Swelling of the arteries of the extremities is an old disease and has been first reported in ancient Egyptian and
Indian texts. The term ‘aneurysm’ has been introduced in the first century by Ruphus from Ephesus. From
the beginning, distinction was made between spontaneous and posttraumatic aneurysms. Spontaneous aneurysms
were mostly considered to be related to debilitation due to exertion. While the majority of traumatic
aneurysms were due to accidental pricking of an artery during bloodletting.
Arterial aneurysms of the aorta and its side branches were first reported in the 16th century. However, it has to be taken into consideration that post-mortem exams were not done before the Renaissance. Most aortic aneurysms were saccular, eroding the neighbouring organs. This is typical for syphilitic aneurysms. However, although suspected, syphilis has not been recognized as the primary cause of aortic aneurysm until the end of the 19th century. In the mean time, fusiform ‘degenerative atherosclerotic’ aneurysms, especially on the abdominal aorta, became more frequent. It is now generally accepted that the cause of this aneurysm is multifactorial and exciting scientific research is actually done to elucidate this complex pathology.
Arterial aneurysms of the aorta and its side branches were first reported in the 16th century. However, it has to be taken into consideration that post-mortem exams were not done before the Renaissance. Most aortic aneurysms were saccular, eroding the neighbouring organs. This is typical for syphilitic aneurysms. However, although suspected, syphilis has not been recognized as the primary cause of aortic aneurysm until the end of the 19th century. In the mean time, fusiform ‘degenerative atherosclerotic’ aneurysms, especially on the abdominal aorta, became more frequent. It is now generally accepted that the cause of this aneurysm is multifactorial and exciting scientific research is actually done to elucidate this complex pathology.
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Keywords
history; arterial aneurysm
About this articleTitle
The varying morphology and aetiology of arterial aneurysms. A historical review
Journal
Issue
Article type
Review paper
Pages
1-6
Published online
2006-03-27
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Bibliographic record
Acta Angiologica 2006;12(1):1-6.
Keywords
history
arterial aneurysm
Authors
Raphaël Suy