Pseudoaneurysm

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.

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What is a pseudoaneurysm?

A pseudoaneurysm, or false aneurysm, is a bulge that forms on an injured artery. An artery has 3 layers. Blood leaks through 1 or 2 layers and pools in a sac attached to the artery. A pseudoaneurysm can form in any artery. It becomes a medical emergency if it ruptures (bursts).

What are the signs and symptoms of a pseudoaneurysm?

A small pseudoaneurysm may not cause any signs or symptoms. A larger pseudoaneurysm may cause any of the following:

• A lump under your skin that may be painful or tender to the touch
• Numbness, pain, or tingling in the area
• A bruise on the skin over the area

What increases my risk for a pseudoaneurysm?

• Heart catheterization or a heart attack
• An injury that damages an artery
• Age 75 years or older
• A medical condition such as obesity, high blood pressure, or end-stage renal disease
• A medicine that thins the blood or prevents blood from clotting

How is a pseudoaneurysm diagnosed and treated?

Your healthcare provider will use an ultrasound to check the artery for leaking blood. A small pseudoaneurysm may close on its own in about 4 weeks. You may need any of the following to treat a pseudoaneurysm that does not close:

• Medicine called thrombin may be injected into the sac to help seal the leak. You may need an arterial duplex scan 24 hours after the injection. An arterial duplex scan is an ultrasound used to check inside arteries. The scan helps make sure the leak is sealed and the injection did not cause artery damage.
• Compression is a procedure that may be used if the pseudoaneurysm is in your leg. Your provider will place a device over the pseudoaneurysm and apply pressure. Your provider may hold the pressure for 10 to 15 minutes. You may need to have this procedure a few times.
• Endovascular repair is a procedure to fix the artery. The procedure helps lower the risk that the pseudoaneurysm will burst.
• Surgery may be used to repair the leak. Your surgeon may stitch the artery leak closed or place a patch to seal it. Your surgeon may need to bypass the artery (direct blood so it does not flow into the artery). Dead tissue may need to be removed if the area around the pseudoaneurysm becomes infected.

What can I do to manage or prevent a pseudoaneurysm?

Your healthcare provider will give you specific directions to help you manage your pseudoaneurysm. The following are general guidelines:

• Control or prevent high blood pressure (BP). High BP increases the risk that the pseudoaneurysm will burst. Your provider may recommend that you limit the amount of sodium (salt) you have every day. You may need to check your BP and keep a record of the numbers. You may also need to take medicine to control your BP.
• Follow your provider's directions for physical activity. You may need to limit activity to lower the risk that the pseudoaneurysm will burst. Your provider may help you create a physical activity plan after treatment. Physical activity helps lower the risk for another pseudoaneurysm by controlling some risk factors. Examples include controlling your BP and cholesterol levels, and maintaining a healthy weight. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. Your provider can help you create a healthy weight loss plan, if needed.
• Do not use nicotine products, alcohol, or stimulating drugs. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause blood vessel and lung damage. Nicotine, alcohol, and stimulating drugs such as cocaine can raise your BP. Alcohol also thins your blood. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently use nicotine, alcohol, or street drugs and need help to quit. Do not use e-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco in place of cigarettes. These still contain nicotine.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, beans, lean meats, fish, and low-fat dairy products. Your provider or dietitian can help you create a meal plan to help control high BP or cholesterol levels.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) or have someone call if:

• You have any of the following signs of a stroke:
  • Numbness or drooping on one side of your face
  • Weakness in an arm or leg
  • Confusion or difficulty speaking
  • Dizziness, a severe headache, or vision loss
  
  
• You have chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.
• You have severe pain at the artery site.
• You have shortness of breath, dizziness, or confusion.
• You cough up blood.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have swelling or pain near the artery site.
• You have numbness or pain in your arm or leg.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have sudden or more pain in your groin.
• Your skin over the pseudoaneurysm is cool to the touch, pale, or changes color.
• You have tingling or numbness near the pseudoaneurysm site.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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