Aortic aneurysms and aortic dissection

Question 1

Aortic aneurysm

Answer 1

Localized pathologic dilation of blood vessels

Question 2

Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Answer 2

Associated with atherosclerosis.

Occurs more frequently in HTN male smokers > 50 yrs of age.

Question 3

Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Answer 3

Associatd with

1) HTN,
2) cystic medial necrosis (Marfans’) and
3) historically 3’ syphilis.

Question 4

Aortic dissection

Answer 4

Longitudinal intraluminal tear forming a false lumen

Associated HTN, biscuspid aortic valve, cystic medial necrosis, Marfan’s syndrome.

Question 5

Aortic dissection presentation

Answer 5

Tearing chest pain radiating to the back
CXR shows mediastinal widening.
False lumen can be limited to the ascending aorta, propagate from ascending aorta, or propagate from the descending aorta.

Question 6

Aortic dissection results

Answer 6

Pericardial temponade
Aortic rupture
Death