Aneurysms and Dissections Flashcards
What are aneurysms?
Dilations of the aorta due to the weakening of the wall
Where do aneurysms most commonly occur?
Abdominal aorta distal to the renal arteries
What commonly causes aneurysms of the ascending aorta?
Tertiary syphillis
Why do dissections occur?
Blood passing through the a tear in the intima
Where do dissections most commonly occur?
Thoracic aorta and associated with hypertension
What is a berry aneurysm?
Congenital weakness of arterial wall
Mycotic aneurysm is what infectious organism?
Salmonella
Which genetic disorders can cause thoracic aortic aneurysms?
Marfan’s
Ehlers Danlos
Bicuspid aortic valve
Where are berry aneurysms most common?
Circle of Willis
What kidney problem is berry aneurysm associated with?
Polycystic kidney disease
Rupture of berry aneurysm causes hemorrhage where?
Subarachnoid
Berry Aneurysm presents with what?
Acute severe headache
Transient loss of consciousness
Reactive cerebral vasospasm
Most common cause of death in dissection?
Hemopericardium
Where does pain begin/radiate in dissection?
Anterior chest, radiating to the back and moving downwards as the dissection progresses
What will cystic medial necrosis look like?
Small cleft like spaces with amorphous material and absent inflammation; necrosis is not present
