pseudoaneurysm
A collection of blood outside an artery wall that communicates with the arterial lumen through a defect.
Full Definition
A pseudoaneurysm, also called a false aneurysm, is a collection of blood that forms outside the arterial wall but maintains communication with the arterial lumen through a defect in the vessel wall. Unlike true aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms do not contain all layers of the arterial wall and are contained by surrounding tissue or organized hematoma. In cardiovascular imaging, pseudoaneurysms may occur as complications of catheterization procedures, trauma, or infection. They appear as echo-free spaces with characteristic to-and-fro flow on Doppler studies. Imaging findings include a neck connecting the pseudoaneurysm to the parent vessel and swirling flow patterns within the cavity.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from true aneurysms and simple hematomas; describe flow characteristics when present.
In Context
- "Color Doppler demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm at the femoral artery puncture site with typical to-and-fro flow." — Vascular ultrasound report
- "The patient developed a pseudoaneurysm following cardiac catheterization requiring ultrasound-guided compression repair." — Procedure complication note