An aneurysm is a localized, abnormal dilation of a blood vessel, typically an artery, caused by weakening of the vessel wall. Ultrasound is one of the primary tools for detecting and monitoring aneurysms, particularly in the abdominal aorta, where screening programs use ultrasound to identify aneurysms before they can rupture. Aneurysms can also occur in the popliteal artery behind the knee, the femoral artery, and intracranial arteries. On ultrasound, an aneurysm appears as a widened segment of vessel, and the sonographer measures its diameter, looks for thrombus within the aneurysm, and assesses whether it involves surrounding structures.
Sonography Term