aneurysm
Pronunciation: AN-yur-izm
A balloon-like bulge in a blood vessel wall, particularly dangerous when occurring in cerebral arteries.
Full Definition
An aneurysm is a localized dilation or bulging of a blood vessel wall, most commonly occurring in arteries due to weakness in the vessel wall. In neuroscience, cerebral aneurysms are of particular concern as they can rupture and cause subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition. Aneurysms may be congenital or acquired, and their detection and management are critical aspects of neurovascular care. The term is often used interchangeably with 'aneurysmal dilation' in clinical documentation.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid confusion with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which involves abnormal connections between arteries and veins.
In Context
- "The patient presented with sudden onset headache suggestive of aneurysm rupture." — Emergency department report
- "Follow-up imaging showed no change in the size of the anterior communicating artery aneurysm." — Radiology report