An iliac artery is a significant blood vessel located within the pelvis, branching from the abdominal aorta, the body’s largest artery. These arteries are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the lower limbs and various pelvic organs. An aneurysm refers to an abnormal bulge or ballooning that develops in the wall of a blood vessel.
Understanding Iliac Artery Aneurysms
The iliac arteries originate where the abdominal aorta splits in the pelvic region. They then divide into internal and external iliac arteries, serving the pelvis, reproductive organs, and legs. An iliac artery aneurysm involves a weakening and outward bulging of the wall of one of these arteries.
This weakening allows blood pressure to exert force on the compromised area, causing it to expand. If left untreated, a large aneurysm can rupture, leading to severe and life-threatening internal bleeding. While isolated iliac artery aneurysms are uncommon, they frequently occur in conjunction with abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Major Contributing Factors
Atherosclerosis is a primary driver in the formation of iliac artery aneurysms. This condition involves the buildup of plaque, composed of fatty deposits and cholesterol, within the artery walls. This plaque accumulation can harden and weaken the arterial tissue, making it susceptible to bulging.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, places constant strain on arterial walls. Over time, this persistent force can contribute to the degradation and weakening of the artery, increasing the likelihood of aneurysm formation. Managing blood pressure is a preventive measure against aneurysm development.
Smoking significantly harms blood vessel health, accelerating atherosclerosis and directly weakening artery walls. Nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco can narrow arteries and contribute to hardening, making the vessels more vulnerable to aneurysms. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of these complications.
Elevated cholesterol levels are closely linked to atherosclerosis, as cholesterol is a major component of arterial plaque. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, in particular, have been associated with an increased risk of aneurysms. Controlling cholesterol is often part of a strategy to prevent aneurysm growth.
Age is a contributing factor, as the natural aging process can lead to a gradual degradation of arterial walls, reducing their elasticity and strength. Iliac artery aneurysms are more common in individuals over 60 years old. The incidence of these aneurysms rises with advancing age.
Men are statistically more prone to developing iliac artery aneurysms than women. A significantly higher proportion of patients with common iliac artery aneurysms are male, with some reports indicating over 90% male prevalence.
Other Influencing Conditions
Genetic predisposition and a family history of aneurysms can increase an individual’s risk. Inherited factors may affect the inherent strength and structure of arterial walls, making some individuals more vulnerable to aneurysm formation. This suggests a hereditary component in some cases.
Inflammatory conditions that cause chronic inflammation of blood vessels, known as vasculitis, can weaken arterial walls. This inflammation can lead to structural damage within the vessel, paving the way for aneurysm development. Isolated inflammatory aneurysms, though rare, have been reported in the iliac artery.
Certain infections can directly damage and weaken arterial walls, leading to mycotic aneurysms. Bacteria can infect the artery wall, causing a focal dilation. These infected aneurysms can be dangerous due to rapid progression and high mortality if ruptured.
Connective tissue disorders, such as Marfan syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, inherently affect the strength and integrity of connective tissues throughout the body, including those that form artery walls. These conditions can result in weakened arterial structures, significantly increasing the risk of aneurysm formation.