Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pseudoaneurysm
A contained rupture of the arterial wall with blood flow contained by surrounding tissue rather than vessel wall layers.
Full Definition
An aortic pseudoaneurysm, also known as a false aneurysm, occurs when there is a contained rupture of the aortic wall with blood extravasation that is contained by surrounding mediastinal or retroperitoneal tissues rather than by intact vessel wall layers. Unlike true aneurysms that involve all layers of the arterial wall, pseudoaneurysms represent a breach in wall integrity and carry a high risk of free rupture. They may result from trauma, infection, iatrogenic injury, or complications of aortic procedures.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from true aneurysm in all clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Post-operative imaging revealed a small pseudoaneurysm at the proximal anastomotic site." — Post-surgical follow-up report
- "The traumatic aortic pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated with endovascular stent-graft placement." — Operative report
Also known as
false aneurysm
Contrasted with
true aneurysm
Don't confuse with
true aneurysm
contained rupture