Page 29 - Virtual Vascular

True and False

Saccular Aneurysms

Learning points:

• A true aneurysm is one that involves all three layers of the wall of
an artery (intima, media and adventitia). A false aneurysm, or

pseudo-aneurysm, is a collection of blood leaking out of an artery,
but confined next to the vessel by the surrounding tissue

• A true aneurysm can be morphologically fusiform or saccular

• False saccular aneurysm may be due to trauma or infection. The
trauma or the mycotic process causes a breach in the vessel wall
such that blood leaks through but is contained by the adventitia or

surrounding perivascular soft tissues, which appear abnormal on
CT scan

• Some vascular surgeons believe that the risk of rupture of true
saccular aneurysm may be higher than true fusiform aneurysms,

and therefore warrant regular surveillance or early intervention

• Most false saccular aneurysm should be treated urgently to
prevent rupture