pseudoaneurysm
Pronunciation: SOO-do-AN-yur-izm
A contained rupture of a blood vessel wall with hematoma formation that maintains communication with the vessel lumen.
Full Definition
A pseudoaneurysm, also called a false aneurysm, is a contained vascular injury where blood escapes through a defect in the vessel wall but remains contained by surrounding tissues, forming a pulsatile hematoma that maintains communication with the arterial lumen. Unlike true aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms lack a complete vessel wall and are bounded by compressed surrounding tissues. They commonly occur as complications of arterial puncture procedures, trauma, or infection. In vascular imaging, pseudoaneurysms appear as contrast-filled sacs adjacent to vessels with a characteristic 'neck' connecting to the parent artery. Treatment options include compression therapy, thrombin injection, or surgical repair.
Usage
Usage note: Specify size, location, and relationship to procedural access sites when documenting.
In Context
- "Duplex ultrasound confirmed a 2.5 cm pseudoaneurysm at the right femoral puncture site." — Vascular laboratory report
- "The patient developed a pseudoaneurysm following cardiac catheterization." — Post-procedure complication note