What Are Visceral Artery Aneurysms? 

Visceral arteries carry blood from your heart to organs like the liver, spleen, kidneys and intestines. When the wall of one of these arteries becomes weak, it can stretch like a balloon. This is called a visceral artery aneurysm. Without treatment, the artery can tear or burst and cause life-threatening bleeding. 

At Keck Medicine of USC, our fellowship-trained vascular specialists will carefully check your aneurysm. This helps us decide whether it’s safest to watch it or treat it. We use advanced imaging and minimally invasive care when possible to treat the aneurysm at the right time and help lower your risk of serious health problems. 

Expert Care for Visceral Artery Aneurysms Symptoms 

The symptoms of a visceral artery aneurysm vary and often don’t even appear. They may also depend on which artery is affected.  

• Mesenteric artery aneurysms, which affect arteries supplying the intestines, may cause abdominal pain or digestive bleeding. 
• Renal artery aneurysms, which affect arteries supplying the kidneys, can interfere with kidney function and may lead to high blood pressure. 

Some aneurysms are only discovered when they rupture. Others are found during imaging tests, such as ultrasounds, X-rays or MRIs, for another health concern. 

If you do have symptoms of a visceral artery aneurysm — especially one that’s ruptured — they may include: 

• Anemia  
• Pain in your abdomen or back, ranging from mild to severe 

Other symptoms are based on where the aneurysm is located and may include: 

• Blood in your stool 
• Vomiting blood  

Treatments for Visceral Artery Aneurysms We Offer 

Your provider’s approach to treatment often depends on the type, size and location of the aneurysm, as well as your overall health.  

In many cases, your health care team may recommend watchful waiting for a true aneurysm smaller than 2 centimeters. During watchful waiting, we check the aneurysm over time using imaging tests. You may also take medication to control blood pressure, which can help lower stress on the artery and keep it from growing.

If the aneurysm is large or otherwise risky, you may need surgery. Treatment may include: 

• Open surgery, which uses a larger incision (cut) that gives the vascular surgeon direct access to the aneurysm. The surgeon removes the artery’s damaged area and repairs or replaces it. 
• Minimally invasive treatment, which uses a thin catheter inserted into an artery, usually in the groin, to treat the aneurysm and lower the risk of rupture. 

We tailor your treatment plan to your specific condition. Our specialists guide you through every step — from diagnosis to treatment and recovery.

Why Choose Us for Visceral Artery Aneurysm Care

The USC Cardiac and Vascular Institute is recognized among the top programs in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report.

We provide advanced imaging to find and manage visceral artery aneurysms early.

Our personalized care plans focus on preventing complications and protecting your long-term health.