pseudoaneurysm
Pronunciation: SOO-doh-AN-yuh-rizm
False aneurysm containing blood outside the arterial wall but confined by surrounding tissue, typically following vessel injury or intervention.
Full Definition
A pseudoaneurysm, also known as a false aneurysm, is a collection of blood outside the arterial wall that communicates with the vessel lumen through a defect in the arterial wall. Unlike true aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms lack normal arterial wall components and are contained only by surrounding tissue or hematoma. They commonly develop following arterial puncture, trauma, infection, or surgical procedures. Pseudoaneurysms typically demonstrate a characteristic 'neck' connecting to the parent vessel and may show a to-and-fro flow pattern on Doppler imaging. Treatment may include observation, compression therapy, thrombin injection, or surgical repair depending on size and location.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the parent vessel and distinguish from true aneurysms in reports.
In Context
- "A 2.5 cm femoral artery pseudoaneurysm developed following cardiac catheterization." — Post-procedural complication report
- "Ultrasound-guided compression successfully closed the small pseudoaneurysm." — Treatment outcome note