American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators (ABMDI) Practice Exam

What characterizes an aneurysm?

1. A permanent widening of an artery

2. A temporary blockage of an artery

3. A thickening of arterial walls

4. A complete rupture of the artery

The correct answer is: A permanent widening of an artery

An aneurysm is characterized by a permanent widening or dilation of an artery due to a weakness in the arterial wall. This abnormal enlargement can occur in various parts of the body and can lead to serious health complications, especially if the aneurysm ruptures. The definition of an aneurysm highlights its persistence; it is not merely a temporary condition like a blockage. Unlike a temporary artery blockage, which can result from factors like blood clots, an aneurysm indicates sustained structural changes in the vessel wall. While thickening of arterial walls is associated with conditions like atherosclerosis, it does not describe the phenomenon of an aneurysm. Similarly, a complete rupture of the artery signifies a severe outcome of an existing aneurysm but does not define the aneurysm itself. The focus on the permanent widening is essential in understanding the nature of aneurysms and their potential for causing significant health risks.