Expansion, dilation or distention, but NOT an aneurysm- entire area of vessel.

Expansion, dilation or distention, but NOT an aneurysm- entire area of vessel.

• A. Aneurysm
• B. Ectasia
• C. Varix
• D. Dilation

Answer: (B)

Ectasia is the best term because it describes diffuse enlargement of a vessel along its length, rather than a focal outpouching. Expansion, dilation, or distention of an entire vessel without a discrete, localized ballooning corresponds to ectasia. An aneurysm, by contrast, is a localized dilation with a breach in the vessel wall and often presents as a focal bulge or outpouching. Varix refers to venous dilation (often with tortuosity), and dilation alone is a generic term that doesn’t specify whether the change is diffuse or focal.

Ectasia is the best term because it describes diffuse enlargement of a vessel along its length, rather than a focal outpouching. Expansion, dilation, or distention of an entire vessel without a discrete, localized ballooning corresponds to ectasia. An aneurysm, by contrast, is a localized dilation with a breach in the vessel wall and often presents as a focal bulge or outpouching. Varix refers to venous dilation (often with tortuosity), and dilation alone is a generic term that doesn’t specify whether the change is diffuse or focal.