Dissecting aneurysm [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Dissecting aneurysm ======

a dissecting aneurysm and a [[pseudoaneurysm]] are not the same. These are distinct vascular conditions with different characteristics, causes, and treatment approaches:

Dissecting Aneurysm (Aortic Dissection):

Cause: A dissecting aneurysm, also known as aortic dissection, primarily occurs in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. It results from a tear or separation in the inner layers of the aortic wall. This tear allows blood to enter and separate the layers of the aortic wall, forming a false lumen.

Characteristics: Aortic dissections can be life-threatening emergencies. They are characterized by a tear in the arterial wall, which allows blood to flow between the layers of the aortic wall, creating a false lumen. This condition is often associated with sudden and severe chest or back pain. The dissection process can extend along the length of the aorta, leading to potential complications such as aortic rupture or organ malperfusion.

Treatment: Managing aortic dissections typically requires immediate medical attention and intervention. Treatment may include medications to control blood pressure, surgical repair of the affected portion of the aorta, or endovascular procedures to stabilize the aortic wall.

Pseudoaneurysm (False Aneurysm):

Cause: A pseudoaneurysm, also known as a false aneurysm, typically results from a breach or injury to the arterial wall. Unlike true aneurysms, pseudoaneurysms do not involve all three layers of the arterial wall. Instead, they involve a collection of blood that escapes from the artery and forms a sac-like structure outside the vessel.

Characteristics: Pseudoaneurysms often present as a localized sac or mass near the injured artery. They can have a pulsatile appearance and may be associated with symptoms such as pain or swelling. Pseudoaneurysms are more likely to rupture or cause complications compared to dissecting aneurysms.

Treatment: The treatment of pseudoaneurysms typically involves interventions aimed at sealing the breach in the arterial wall. This may include surgical repair, minimally invasive procedures (such as ultrasound-guided compression or thrombin injection), or endovascular techniques (such as stent graft placement) to exclude the pseudoaneurysm from the circulation.

In summary, dissecting aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are two distinct vascular conditions with different underlying causes, characteristics, and treatment approaches. Dissecting aneurysms primarily involve the aorta and result from a tear in its wall, while pseudoaneurysms typically result from arterial wall injuries and involve the formation of a blood-filled sac outside the vessel.

===== Posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissecting aneurysm =====
[[Posterior inferior cerebellar artery dissecting aneurysm]]