What term describes an existing abdominal aorta aneurysm involving the entire abdominal aorta?

What term describes an existing abdominal aorta aneurysm involving the entire abdominal aorta?

• A. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• B. Ectactic aneurysm
• C. Fusiform aneurysm
• D. Saccular aneurysm

Answer: (B)

An ectatic (ectactic) aneurysm describes dilation that spans the entire length of the artery. When the abdominal aorta is diffusely dilated along its whole course, the vessel is said to be ectatic, rather than forming a single focal sac. A saccular aneurysm is a discrete pouch on one side, and a fusiform aneurysm is a long, circumferential dilation that can be limited to a segment; the word ectatic specifically signals that the dilation is diffuse and vessel-wide, which fits the description of involving the entire abdominal aorta.

An ectatic (ectactic) aneurysm describes dilation that spans the entire length of the artery. When the abdominal aorta is diffusely dilated along its whole course, the vessel is said to be ectatic, rather than forming a single focal sac. A saccular aneurysm is a discrete pouch on one side, and a fusiform aneurysm is a long, circumferential dilation that can be limited to a segment; the word ectatic specifically signals that the dilation is diffuse and vessel-wide, which fits the description of involving the entire abdominal aorta.