Which type of aneurysm is commonly referred to as berry aneurysm?

Which type of aneurysm is commonly referred to as berry aneurysm?

• A. Dissection
• B. Fusiform
• C. Saccular aneurysm
• D. Mycotic

Answer: (C)

A berry aneurysm refers to a saccular aneurysm—a small, rounded pouch that protrudes from a cerebral artery with a narrow neck, typically at a branch point in the circle of Willis. This shape and localization arise from localized weakness in the vessel wall, often involving the media, and it is the classic cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage when ruptured. This distinguishes it from fusiform aneurysms, which dilate the entire circumference of the vessel, and from dissection, which involves a tear that creates a false lumen within the wall. Mycotic aneurysm describes an infection-related aneurysm, not the characteristic berry-shaped sac.

A berry aneurysm refers to a saccular aneurysm—a small, rounded pouch that protrudes from a cerebral artery with a narrow neck, typically at a branch point in the circle of Willis. This shape and localization arise from localized weakness in the vessel wall, often involving the media, and it is the classic cause of subarachnoid hemorrhage when ruptured. This distinguishes it from fusiform aneurysms, which dilate the entire circumference of the vessel, and from dissection, which involves a tear that creates a false lumen within the wall. Mycotic aneurysm describes an infection-related aneurysm, not the characteristic berry-shaped sac.