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An aneurysm occurs when the wall of an artery, vein, or the heart balloons out due to a weakening of the wall as a result of disease, injury, or birth defect. Aneurysms usually take place in the chest, mid-section, brain, or legs.
Aneurysms are often caused or aggravated by high blood pressure. They are not always life-threatening, but if an aneurysm in the brain bursts (or ruptures), it causes what is known as a stroke. A ruptured aneurysm requires emergency treatment.
If a physician suspects an aneurysm is present in a patient, he or she may prescribe a diagnostic imaging test such as X-ray angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT).
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