Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

What condition is characterized by a permanent dilation of a blood vessel?

1. Aneurysm

2. Arteriosclerosis

3. Arteriovenous malformation

4. Thrombosis

The correct answer is: Aneurysm

Aneurysm is characterized by a permanent dilation or abnormal enlargement of a blood vessel, typically an artery. This occurs due to a weakness in the vessel wall, which can lead to an increased risk of rupture, bleeding, and in severe cases, life-threatening complications. Aneurysms can develop in various locations throughout the body, including the aorta, cerebral, and peripheral arteries. In contrast, arteriosclerosis refers to the thickening and hardening of arterial walls, which can lead to narrowed vessels and reduced blood flow but does not involve a permanent dilation. Arteriovenous malformation involves an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, leading to altered blood flow but does not imply dilation of a vessel itself as a standalone characteristic. Thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot within a blood vessel, which can obstruct blood flow but is not related to the permanent dilation of the vessel. Thus, the identification of an aneurysm as a condition characterized by permanent dilation is accurate and aligns with the definition and clinical implications of this vascular condition.