What is the Difference Between True and False Aneurysm?

The main difference between a true aneurysm and a false aneurysm (also known as a pseudoaneurysm) lies in the structure and cause of the aneurysm.

A true aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel that causes the vessel wall to stretch and form a small bulge. If the wall continues to weaken, the aneurysm could rupture, posing a risk of internal bleeding that can be life-threatening. True aneurysms tend to be managed conservatively.

On the other hand, a false aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm is not an enlargement of any of the layers of the blood vessel wall. It occurs when a tear happens on the inside layer of the vessel, resulting in blood filling in between the layers of the blood vessel wall, creating a pseudoaneurysm. Pseudoaneurysms are often caused by injury to a blood vessel, such as during medical procedures like cardiac catheterization. They are not contained by all three layers of the arterial wall and have a weaker wall than true aneurysms. False aneurysms have a higher risk of rupture than true aneurysms of comparable size.

In summary, the key differences between true and false aneurysms are:

• True aneurysms involve stretching of the blood vessel wall, while pseudoaneurysms involve injury and blood filling in between the layers of the blood vessel wall.
• True aneurysms have a lower risk of rupture compared to pseudoaneurysms.

Comparative Table: True vs False Aneurysm

The main difference between a true and false aneurysm lies in the involvement of the arterial wall layers. Here is a comparison table highlighting the key differences between true and false aneurysms:

In summary, true aneurysms involve all three layers of the artery wall and are often caused by atherosclerosis, while false aneurysms do not involve all three layers and are typically caused by trauma, infections, or vascular prosthetic failures. The risk of rupture is higher in false aneurysms compared to true aneurysms.