Final answer:
A pseudo aneurysm is a condition where blood leaks out of a blood vessel and pools adjacent to it, creating a false aneurysm. It differs from a true aneurysm, which involves dilation within the vessel wall.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is a Pseudo Aneurysm?
A pseudo aneurysm, also known as a false aneurysm, occurs when blood leaks out of a blood vessel and pools adjacent to the artery, leading to a ballooning of the vessel wall.
This condition is different from a true aneurysm, where the dilation occurs within the vessel wall itself.
In the case of a pseudo aneurysm, the blood is contained by the surrounding tissues rather than the arterial wall, creating a palpable pulsating mass that can often be painful and, in some cases, dangerous if it ruptures.
While pseudo aneurysms can occur in any part of the body, they are commonly associated with procedures such as cardiac catheterization, which is relevant in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Since CAD involves the build-up of plaque in the arteries that supply the heart, interventions to treat CAD might result in vessel injury and subsequent pseudo aneurysm formation.
Proper diagnosis and treatment of pseudo aneurysms are crucial because they can lead to complications similar to those of CAD, including acute limb ischemia, compression of nearby structures, and rupture leading to hemorrhage.
Treatment options may include ultrasound-guided compression, thrombin injection, or surgical repair, depending on the size and location of the pseudo aneurysm.