An aneurysm of any type can be a major health risk. The biggest risk being a rupture followed by internal bleeding that can quickly be fatal. The difference between an aneurysm and a pseudo aneurysm is that an aneurysm is contained within the arterial wall with no outside bleeding, until it ruptures.
Identification
A pseudo aneurysm is bleeding through a small hole in the arterial wall that is contained by the tissues surrounding it. When a pseudo aneurysm occurs, the leaking blood forms a hematoma that looks like an aneurysm when imaged.
Significance
For the most part, as with a regular aneurysm, pseudo aneurysms lack symptoms. Since the hole is small and there is no real dissection taking place, there isn't any pain.
Considerations
The hematoma may press against nerves or other organs and cause pain or weakness in some cases. This is more common in cases where the pseudo aneurysm is located in the femoral artery.
Theories/Speculation
Two doctors, Adam Koenigsberg and Glen Solomon, have linked pseudo aneurysms in the cavernous sinus to cluster headaches, but most pseudo aneurysms occur outside this area.
Warning
Pseudo aneurysms can happen within the heart, especially during a heart attack. A pseudo aneurysm in the left ventricle can be a fatal complication of a heart attack.
Tags: pseudo aneurysm, pseudo aneurysms, aneurysm pseudo, arterial wall, heart attack