Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

PATHO I > Atherosclerosis and Aneurysms > Flashcards

Atherosclerosis and Aneurysms Flashcards

(52 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

T/F: Atherosclerosis can begin in childhood with the development of fatty streaks advancing with age

A

True

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is the typical cause of death due to atherosclerosis?

A

Ischemic heart disease (IHD)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are (2) major predictors of atherosclerosis?

A
  • HTN
  • Hypercholesterolemia
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Describe what atherosclerosis is.

A
  • Lesions of the vascular intima called atheromas
  • Atheromas impinge on vascular lumen (stenosis) and can suddenly rupture leading to occlusion

Occlusion –> ischemia + hypoxia

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Weakening of the tunica media due to atherosclerosis can lead to what disorder?

A

Aneurysm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What is the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis?

A
  • Chronic stress on endothelium leads to endothelial injury and dysfunction
  • Leads to upregulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1
  • Invasion of monocytes and lymphocytes through disrupted endothelial barrier
  • Platelets adhere to endothelial (vessel) wall and release mediators
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Plaque deposition along the arterial walls leads to what type of blood flow?

A

TURBULENT

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

How is the fibrous cap created during atherosclerosis?

A
  • Platelets, macrophages, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells release growth factors
  • Smooth muscle cells synthesize ECM including collagen that creates the fibrous cap

This is done to stabilize plaque

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

How are fatty streaks formed during atherosclerosis?

A
  • Macrophages ingest oxidized LDL cholesterol and transform into foam cells
  • Foam cells accumulate and turn into fatty streaks (early atherosclerotic lesions)
  • Foam cells release cellular proteases and inflammatory cytokines
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the basic structure of an atheromatous plaque?

A
  • Fibrous cap: macrophages (foam cells), smooth muscle cells, and collagen & eastin
  • Necrotic center: cholesterol crystals, foam cells, cell debris (garbage)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

How do macrophages disrupt the integrity of the fibrous cap of an atheroma?

A
  • Macrophages secrete matrix metalloproteinases leading to weakning of the fibrous cap
  • This is due to breakdown of ECM via MMPs
  • Minor stress leads to fibrous cap rupture (leading to thrombus
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the molecule that antagonizes (balances) the activity of MMP?

A

Tissue inhibitor of MMP (Matrix metalloproteases)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Dysfunctional endothelial cells express adhesion molecules that stimulate what?

A

Leukocyte adhesion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Macrophages that take up oxidized LDL release what chemicals?

A

Inflammatory mediators

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

CRP is a strong independent risk factor for?

A
  • MI
  • Stroke
  • PAD
  • Sudden cardiac death

Even in apparently healthy individuals

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Role of inflammation in atherosclerosis: INF-γ

A

Activation of macrophages, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Role of inflammation in atherosclerosis: IL-1

A

Recruitment and activation of macrophages & T-cells

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Role of inflammation in atherosclerosis: ROS

A

LDL oxidation (macrophages ingest oxidized LDL)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Role of inflammation in atherosclerosis: MMPs

A

Breakdown of Extracellular matrix (ECM)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Role of inflammation in atherosclerosis: Platelets, macrophages, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells

A
  • Secrete growth factors TGF, FGF, PDGF
  • Leads to smooth muscle cell proliferation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

What is a proven drug that treats the inflammatory response seen in atherosclerosis? What is its MOA?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Canakinumab
  • Targets IL-1
22
Q

Compare a Stable plaque versus an Unstable plaque.

Study These Flashcards
A

Stable Plaque
* Small lipid core w/ a thick fibrous cap
* Little inflammation w/o intraplaque hemorrhaging or rupture
* Reduction in blood flow during exertion

Unstable Plaque
* Large lipid core w/ a thin fibrous cap
* High inflammation w/ intraplaque hemorrhaging and rupture
* MMP –> degradation of collagen & fibrous components –> exposing of thrombogenic core –> thrombus formation and vessel occlusion

23
Q

What is an extrinsic factor on plaques that can lead to instability?

Study These Flashcards
A

HTN (increased BP)

24
Q

What are the most commonly involved vessels in atherosclerosis?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Abdominal Aorta
  • Coronary Artery
  • Popliteal Artery
  • Internal Carotids
  • Circle of Willis

Abundant Corona Pops In Circles

25
When does the risk of **MI** increase **5x**?
Between 40-60 yo | Accumulation of vascular injury
26
T/F: Estrogen therapy in post-menapausal women has been shown to decrease cardiovascular risk
False, it has not shown any benefit
27
What age group appears to be protected from cardiovascular disease when age-matched with the other population?
Females
28
What is the cigarette/day evaluated to increase cardiovascular mortality significantly?
10 cigarettes/day * Males: 20% * Females: 30%
29
What are the (5) factors of **metabolic syndrome**?
* HTN * Waistline (M: 40"; F: 35") * Low HDL (M: < 40 mg/dL; F: 50 mg/dL) * High Tg > 150 mg/dL * FBG > 100 mg/dL
30
What is a rare inborn error of metabolism that results in elevated levels of circulating **homocysteine** and is associated with **premature vascular disease**?
Hyperhomocysteinemia
31
What is a **hematoma**?
Abnormal collection of blood outside of a vessel
32
What are **aneurysms**?
Abnormal dilations of arteries defined as a ≥ 50% increase in arterial diameter compared to normal
33
Compare a **true aneurysm** versus a **false aneurysm**.
**True aneurysm** * Involves all 3 layers of artery (intima, media, adventitia) **False aneurysm** * Bulging pulsatile mass * Local hematoma
34
The **infrarenal aorta** relies on what to acquire nutrients?
Nutrient diffusion from abdominal aorta * has a poorly developed vaso vasorum (vessels dedicated to it)
35
What is the pathogenesis of **aneurysms** due to **atherosclerosis**?
* Atherosclerosis leads to **thickening** of **intima** * Increases distance that **O2** and **nutrients diffuse** to reach the **tunica media** * Activates **macrophages** leading to **MMP secretion** and **ECM degradation**
36
What is the pathogenesis of **aneurysms** due to **systemic HTN**?
* Systemic HTN leads to **hyaline arteriosclerosis** resulting in **lumenal stenosis** leading to decreased supply of **O2** and **nutrient delivery** to the **tunica media** * Increased **shear stress** leading to endothelial injury and **atherosclerosis**
37
What is the pathogenesis of **aneurysms** due to **tertiary syphilis**?
* Tertiary syphilis leads to **inflammation** of **vasa vasorum** of the **thoracic aorta** leading to **tunica media ischemia** * Leads to **smooth muscle cell, elastic fiber,** and **ECM loss**
38
What is the pathogenesis of **aneurysms** due to **infections**?
* Microorganisms seed vessel wall * Suppuration and **inflammation** that leads to **tunica media destruction** causing **rapid dilation** and **rupture** of the vessel wall
39
What is the pathogenesis of **aneurysms** due to **Marfan Syndrome**?
* Inability to sequester endogenously produced **TGF-β** * **Fragmentation** of elastic **lamina** and **fibrosis** * Abnormal **TGF-β** siganling leads to **defective elastin** and **collagen synthesis** * Diminished **ECM contents** and **aneurysmal dilation**
40
What is the pathogenesis of **aneurysms** due to **Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome**?
Defective **Type III collagen** leading to thin skin, arterial rupture and easy bruising
41
Where is **Type I Collagen** found?
One **BITE** * Bones * Eyes * Teeth * Ears
42
Where is **Type II Collagen** found?
Car**TWO**lage = Type II collagen | Cartilage
43
Where is **Type III collagen** found?
Th**re**e = **Re**ticulin fibers * vessels, uterus, granulation tissue
44
Where is **Type IV Collagen** found?
**F**our = **Fl**oor * Basement membrane * Lens
45
When does the **USPSTF** recommend screening for **abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)**? | 1-time screening
Males 65-75 yo who have smoked
46
Where do **abdominal aortic aneurysms** typically occur?
Between **renal arteries** and the **aortic bifurcation** * Decreased collagen content
47
What type of inflammation characterizes **abdominal aortic aneurysms**?
Transmural inflammation | Degradation of elastin & collagen by MMP & loss of smooth muscle
48
What is the sizing standard of **thoracic aortic aneurysms**?
≥ 3 cm
49
What are some common risk factors for **thoracic aortic aneurysms**?
* HTN, smoking, age * Tertiary syphilis * Bicuspid aortic valve * Connective tissue disease (e.g., Marfans; Ehlers-Danlos)
50
What occurs in **cystic medial degeneration**?
Accumulation of **mucopolysaccharides** in the **tunica media** of vessels leading to a loss of **muscle** and **elastic** fibers | Non-inflammatory
51
How can a **thoracic aortic aneurysm** present?
* Respiratory or feeding difficulties due to airway or esophageal compression * **Persistent cough** from irritation of the **recurrent laryngeal nerves**
52
How may an **abdominal aortic aneurysm** present?
During PE as a **palpable, puslatile, non-tender abdominal mass**

PATHO I (8 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions