Aneurysm and its types photos

Reading File

Finding Sources

Searching the Web

aneurysm types saccular fusiform dissecting diagram medical images

Finding Sources

Loading Image

Reading File

Loading Image

Here is a complete visual and textbook-based guide to Aneurysm and its Types.

Aneurysm - Definition

A localized dilatation of a segment of the arterial wall caused by weakening of the vessel wall. Aneurysms are classified into True, False (Pseudoaneurysm), and Arteriovenous types - and further by shape.

S Das A Manual on Clinical Surgery, 13th Ed.

Diagram 1 - Morphological Types Overview

Types of aneurysm: saccular, fusiform, dissecting, ruptured, false aneurysm

Diagram 2 - True vs False vs Dissection (with vessel wall layers)

Types of Aneurysm showing True Aneurysm (Saccular, Fusiform), Dissection Aneurysm, and False Aneurysm with longitudinal and horizontal cross-sections

Diagram 3 - Fusiform, Pseudoaneurysm, Saccular, Dissecting, Ruptured

Types of aneurysm - fusiform, pseudoaneurysm, saccular, dissecting, ruptured

CT Scan - Dissecting Aneurysm of the Thoracic Aorta

(From S Das A Manual on Clinical Surgery - Fig 6.18)

CT scan cross-section showing dissecting aneurysm of the thoracic aorta with false lumen (arrow)

Types Explained (Textbook Definitions)

1. True Aneurysm

Contains all three layers of the arterial wall (intima, media, adventitia). Subtypes by shape:

Type	Description
Fusiform	Uniform expansion of the entire circumference of the arterial wall - the most common type. The vessel bulges symmetrically on all sides.
Saccular (Berry)	Expansion of only part of the circumference - forms a localized outpouching or "sac." Often traumatic; the classic form in the Circle of Willis is called a Berry aneurysm.
Dissecting	The tunica intima ruptures (usually beneath an atheromatous plaque) and blood is forced between the inner and outer layers of the tunica media, splitting the wall.

2. False Aneurysm (Pseudoaneurysm)

The wall of the sac is made of only a single layer of fibrous tissue (not true vessel wall layers).
Blood leaks outside the vessel and is contained by surrounding connective tissue.
Usually caused by trauma, infection, or iatrogenic injury.

3. Arteriovenous Aneurysm (AV Fistula)

An abnormal communication between an artery and a vein, forming a pulsatile swelling.
Can be congenital (cirsoid aneurysm) or acquired (traumatic).

4. Mycotic Aneurysm

Caused by infection (bacterial, despite the misleading "mycotic" name).
Weakening of the wall by an infected embolus or direct infection.

By Location

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - most common; fusiform type predominates.
Intracranial (Cerebral) Aneurysm - saccular/berry type; typically at Circle of Willis branch points.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm - often dissecting in hypertensive/Marfan patients.
Peripheral - popliteal and femoral arteries most common peripherally.

Sources: S Das A Manual on Clinical Surgery, 13th Ed. | Fuster & Hurst's The Heart, 15th Ed. | Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease | Sabiston Textbook of Surgery

By location diagrams

Finding Sources

Searching the Web

aneurysm by location diagram aortic cerebral popliteal femoral medical illustration

Finding Sources

Loading Image

Searching the Web

abdominal aortic aneurysm thoracic aortic aneurysm location diagram body illustration

Loading Image

Finding Sources

Loading Image

Searching the Web

aneurysm sites body human full anatomy diagram brain aorta peripheral splenic renal

Loading Image

Here is a complete visual guide to Aneurysms by Location.

1. Aneurysms in the Body - Overview (Saccular, Fusiform, Pseudoaneurysm at different sites)

Full body diagram showing types of aneurysms at different body locations - saccular at branch points, fusiform along aorta, and pseudoaneurysm

2. Aortic Aneurysm - Thoracic vs Abdominal Locations (CDC)

Aortic aneurysm diagram showing thoracic aortic aneurysm near the heart and abdominal aortic aneurysm below the kidneys within the body silhouette

3. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) - Detailed Anatomy

Comparison of normal abdominal aorta vs AAA, showing relationship to kidneys, iliac arteries, and inferior vena cava:

Normal anatomy vs abdominal aortic aneurysm - showing aorta, kidneys, renal vessels, inferior vena cava, and iliac arteries

4. Cerebral (Brain) Aneurysm - Saccular at Circle of Willis

Cross-section sagittal view of the head showing a red saccular cerebral aneurysm at a branch point of the Circle of Willis arteries

5. Most Common Sites of Cerebral Aneurysm (with % frequency)

Diagram of the brain from below showing the Circle of Willis and the most common sites of cerebral aneurysm - anterior communicating artery 30%, posterior communicating 25%, middle cerebral artery 22%, carotid 8%, bifurcation 7%, anterior cerebral 5%, PICA 3%

6. Peripheral Aneurysm - Femoral Artery Location

Peripheral aneurysm diagram showing the aorta, iliac artery, femoral artery and aneurysm in the leg with surgical graft

Summary Table - Aneurysm by Location

Location	Type	Key Features
Abdominal Aorta	Fusiform (most common)	95% occur infrarenal (below renal arteries); risk of rupture
Thoracic Aorta	Fusiform / Dissecting	Associated with hypertension, Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve
Cerebral (Circle of Willis)	Saccular / Berry	At arterial branch points; rupture causes subarachnoid hemorrhage
Popliteal Artery	Fusiform	Most common peripheral aneurysm; risk of thrombosis/embolism
Femoral Artery	Fusiform	2nd most common peripheral; often bilateral
Splenic Artery	Saccular	Most common visceral aneurysm; risk increased in pregnancy
Renal Artery	Saccular	May cause hypertension; risk of dissection
Carotid Artery	Fusiform / Saccular	Neck mass; risk of stroke/TIA
Mesenteric Artery	Saccular	Visceral aneurysm; risk of bowel ischemia on rupture

This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.