What is the difference between a ruptured aneurysm and an aortic dissection?

An aneurysm that bleeds into the brain can lead to stroke or death. Aortic dissection occurs when the layers of the wall of the aorta separate or are torn, allowing blood to flow between those layers and causing them to separate further.

Is aneurysm the same as dissection?

Aneurysms can occur in any vessel, most notably in the brain, heart, thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta. A dissection is a tear of the inside layer of a blood vessel wall that allows blood to flow between the layers that make up the vessel wall and separate these layers.

Why is a dissecting aneurysm not really an aneurysm?

Dissecting aneurysms are not true aneurysms but rather hematomas within the arterial media that occur almost exclusively in the aorta. An intimal tear allows access of blood to the media, and luminal blood pressure causes propagation of the thrombus through the arterial media over the course of hours to days (Fig.

How can you tell the difference between a true and false aneurysm?

False aneurysms, also known as pseudoaneurysms, are abnormal outpouchings or dilatation of arteries which are bounded only by the tunica adventitia, the outermost layer of the arterial wall. These are distinguished from true aneurysms, which are bounded by all three layers of the arterial wall.

Can an aneurysm lead to a dissection?

An aneurysm can occur anywhere in the aorta. Having an aortic aneurysm increases the risk of a tear in the aortic lining (aortic dissection), as shown in the image on the right.

Which type of aneurysm is most likely to rupture?

Aneurysms that carry the greatest risk of rupture are those that are larger than 7 milliliters in diameter, are located in the posterior or anterior arteries, and have a “daughter sac.” These “daughter aneurysms,” have a complex shape and an additional bulge on the top or dome, Dr. Teitelbaum says.

What is the most common location for an aneurysm?

The most common location of an aneurysm is the aorta, which carries oxygenated blood from the heart to the body. The thoracic aorta is the short segment of the aorta in the chest cavity. The abdominal aorta is the section of the aorta that runs through the abdomen.

What are the two types of aneurysm?

There are two types of brain aneurysms: saccular and fusiform.

What is the main cause of an aortic dissection?

Atherosclerosis (or buildup of plaque in the arteries) Certain genetic conditions like a bicuspid aortic valve. Connective tissue diseases (such as Marfan syndrome) which run in families. Traumatic injury after a car crash or from a high fall.

How long does it take to recover from an aortic dissection?

You may need at least 1 month to recover from your surgery. You will be in the hospital for about the first week. You will usually be in the intensive care unit (ICU) until your vital signs are stable. You will move to the regular nursing floor to continue your recovery before you go home.

When does dissection occur in an aortic aneurysm?

Aortic dissection is when the weakened wall of the aorta tears, causing blood to leak between the layers that makes up the wall. This can happen suddenly or slowly over time. If you have an aortic aneurysm you are higher risk of this happening.

What happens if an aortic aneurysm is untreated?

A ruptured aneurysm in the brain may cause subarachnoid hemorrhage. The pressure of blood inside the artery forces any weak areas in the artery’s wall to balloon outward. If untreated, an aneurysm may rupture, resulting in pain and internal bleeding. Aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta.

Can a heart attack be mistaken for an aortic dissection?

An aortic dissection is sometimes mistaken for a heart attack due to the similarity of symptoms. A transesophageal echocardiogram, CT scan, or magnetic resonance angiogram can confirm diagnosis of an aortic dissection.

Can a false aneurysm look like a saccular one?

There are also false aneurysms (pseudoaneurysms), where the internal vessel wall is breached but the blood spill, so to speak, is contained either by the outer layer of the blood vessel (the adventitia) or the tissue surrounding the blood vessel. A pseudoaneurysm can look like a saccular aneurysm. There are also dissecting aneurysms.