The term for an aneurysm caused by infection is which?

The term for an aneurysm caused by infection is which?

• A. Berry
• B. Fusiform
• C. Saccular
• D. Mycotic

Answer: (D)

An aneurysm caused by infection is called a mycotic aneurysm. Infections can weaken the arterial wall, allowing a localized dilation to form. The term is historical and often reflects bacterial infection (septic emboli from conditions like endocarditis), not fungus, even though the word “mycotic” sounds fungal. This distinguishes it from other aneurysm types defined mainly by shape or location: berry aneurysms are congenital sac-like dilations in cerebral arteries; fusiform aneurysms are diffuse, spindle-shaped dilations usually due to atherosclerosis or inflammatory processes; saccular aneurysms are sac-like outpouchings that can have various causes but are not defined by infection. Therefore, the best-term for an infection-related aneurysm is mycotic.

An aneurysm caused by infection is called a mycotic aneurysm. Infections can weaken the arterial wall, allowing a localized dilation to form. The term is historical and often reflects bacterial infection (septic emboli from conditions like endocarditis), not fungus, even though the word “mycotic” sounds fungal. This distinguishes it from other aneurysm types defined mainly by shape or location: berry aneurysms are congenital sac-like dilations in cerebral arteries; fusiform aneurysms are diffuse, spindle-shaped dilations usually due to atherosclerosis or inflammatory processes; saccular aneurysms are sac-like outpouchings that can have various causes but are not defined by infection. Therefore, the best-term for an infection-related aneurysm is mycotic.