Ex 4: 1 Apr Vascular Disease Assessment Flashcards
(89 cards)
What is an aortic aneurysm?
Aortic aneurysm is a dilation in the wall of the vessel leading to an increase in greater than 50% of the diameter
Symptoms are due to compression of surrounding structures since there is no pain sensation in the vessel itself.
What is the general treatment approach for small aortic aneurysms?
Initially treated medically to prevent growth, including blood pressure management and lifestyle changes
- Surgery is generally indicated when the aneurysm approaches 5.5 cm in diameter or the aneurysm diameter begins increasing by 10+mm/yr
What is the mortality rate associated with aortic aneurysm rupture?
75% mortality rate
This makes it an extremely dangerous situation requiring monitoring and surgical intervention.
What are the two types of aortic aneurysms?
Saccular aneurysms (berry-shaped bulge) and fusiform aneurysms (uniform circumferential dilation)
Both types involve a dilation greater than 50% of the vessel diameter.
What imaging techniques are used to diagnose aortic aneurysms?
CT, MRI, angiogram, echocardiogram, and Doppler echocardiogram
These methods provide clear pictures of the aneurysm’s size and structure.
What is aortic dissection?
A tear in the intimal layer of the vessel causing blood to seep into the medial layer
It is different from a rupture as it is still relatively contained.
What are the types of aortic dissections based on the Stanford classification?
Type A: must involve ascending aorta and can occur in succession with another location in the aorta.
- Type A dissections require emergency surgery.
Type B: does NOT involve ascending aorta.
What are the symptoms of aortic dissection?
Sharp, severe pain in the posterior chest or back
This pain is a telltale sign and may require immediate medical attention.
What is the general mortality increase per hour for untreated aortic dissection?
1 to 2% increase per hour
Overall mortality is about 25% to 50%.
What is the typical treatment for Type A aortic dissections?
Emergency surgery is required, often involving replacement of the ascending aorta
Surgical procedures may include aortic valve replacement and cardiopulmonary bypass.
What are common risk factors for aortic dissection?
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Family history
- Cocaine use
- Inflammatory diseases
- Genetic disorders like Marfan syndrome
Other factors include trauma or iatrogenic causes such as cardiac catheterization.
What is the typical long-term survival rate for patients treated medically for Type B aortic dissection?
60% to 80% at six years, about 40% to 50% at ten years
Medical management is indicated for uncomplicated Type B dissections.
Fill in the blank: An aortic aneurysm is generally treated surgically when it reaches _______ cm in diameter.
Other surgical indications are family history of dissection and aneurysm growth of >___mm/year
5.5
10
True or False: Aortic dissections can be classified using both Stanford and DeBakey classifications.
True
- We love to add layers to the confusion :)
What are the 3 classifications of DeBakey? This is a tricky one…
- Type I: **Originates in the ascending aorta **and propagates to the aortic arch
- Type II: Originates in and is limited to the ascending aorta.
- Type III: Originates in the descending aorta and rarely extends proximally, but will extend distally.
What is the treatment for uncomplicated Type B aortic dissections?
Medical management with close monitoring and blood pressure control
Patients may be treated with beta blockers and vasodilators.
What is the most common complication associated with surgical treatment for aortic dissection?
Neurological deficits
These can arise from cardiopulmonary bypass procedures.
What is an iatrogenic cause of aortic dissection?
Cardiac catheterizations
Iatrogenic causes refer to conditions caused by medical treatment or procedures.
What are common populations associated with aortic dissection?
Men and pregnant women in their third trimester
These groups are at higher risk for developing aortic dissection.
Define an aneurysm.
Dilation of all three layers of a blood vessel.
Define a dissection.
Blood that enters into the medial layer of the vessel.
What are predisposing factors for an aneurysm?
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Older age
- Male gender
- Family history
- Previous dissection
What symptoms are associated with an aortic dissection?
Severe, sharp posterior chest pain.
How is an aortic aneurysm typically diagnosed?
Imaging techniques such as chest X-ray, Echo, CT, MRI, angiography.