What term describes a condition in which the inner layers of an artery become separated, allowing blood to flow between layers under high pressure?

What term describes a condition in which the inner layers of an artery become separated, allowing blood to flow between layers under high pressure?

• A. Dissecting aneurysm
• B. Aneurysm
• C. Pseudoaneurysm
• D. Arterial rupture

Answer: (A)

Arterial dissection is when a tear in the inner lining of the vessel allows blood to split the wall, forcing its way between layers under high pressure and creating a separate lumen. The term dissecting aneurysm fits this description because it conveys both the tearing and the resulting separation with dilation along the dissection. This is different from a true aneurysm, which is a dilation of all wall layers without layer separation; a pseudoaneurysm, which is a contained rupture with blood outside the vessel wall but not a true dissection of the wall itself; and an arterial rupture, which implies a full-thickness tear with active bleeding.

Arterial dissection is when a tear in the inner lining of the vessel allows blood to split the wall, forcing its way between layers under high pressure and creating a separate lumen. The term dissecting aneurysm fits this description because it conveys both the tearing and the resulting separation with dilation along the dissection. This is different from a true aneurysm, which is a dilation of all wall layers without layer separation; a pseudoaneurysm, which is a contained rupture with blood outside the vessel wall but not a true dissection of the wall itself; and an arterial rupture, which implies a full-thickness tear with active bleeding.