pseudoaneurysm
Pronunciation: SOO-doe-AN-you-rizm
False aneurysm formed when blood leaks from a vessel wall defect and is contained by surrounding tissues, creating a pulsatile hematoma.
Full Definition
A pseudoaneurysm, also called a false aneurysm, is a collection of blood that forms outside the vessel wall when there is a breach in the arterial wall that allows blood to escape but become contained by surrounding tissues or fibrous capsule. Unlike true aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms do not involve all layers of the vessel wall and are typically caused by trauma, infection, or iatrogenic injury from procedures such as cardiac catheterization. The resulting cavity maintains communication with the parent vessel through the wall defect, creating a characteristic 'to-and-fro' flow pattern on Doppler ultrasound. Treatment may involve compression therapy, surgical repair, or covered stent placement depending on size and location.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from true aneurysm; both spellings 'pseudoaneurysm' and 'pseudoaneurism' are acceptable.
In Context
- "Ultrasound revealed a 2.5 cm femoral artery pseudoaneurysm at the catheterization site." — Post-procedural complication report
- "The infected pseudoaneurysm required urgent surgical debridement and bypass reconstruction." — Vascular surgery consultation