Vascular Flashcards
(79 cards)
What are the three main arterial pathologies?
Aneurysms, dissections, occlusions
Which part of the vascular system is more likely to be affected by aneurysms and dissections?
Aorta and its branches
What part of the vascular system is affected by occlusions?
Peripheral arteries
What is an aortic aneurysm?
Dilation of all 3 layers of artery, leading to a >50% increase in diameter
What is the initial treatment for an aortic aneurysm?
Medical management
What causes symptoms due to aortic aneurysms?
Compression of surrounding structures
At what diameter is surgery indicated for an aortic aneurysm?
> 5.5 cm diameter
- Surgery is also indicated with growth >10 mm/yr or family history of dissection
What is the mortality rate associated with aortic aneurysm rupture?
75%
What are the two types of aortic aneurysms?
- Saccular
- Fusiform
What is the difference between saccular and fusiform?
- Saccular: outpouching bulge to one side
- Fusiform: Uniform circumferential dilation
What are the symptoms of aortic aneurysms?
Asymptomatic or pain due to surrounding compression
What diagnostic tools are used for aortic aneurysms?
- CT
- MRI
- CXR
- Angiogram
- Echocardiogram
What is the fastest/safest measure to diagnose a suspected dissection?
Doppler echocardiogram
What is the main goal of medical management for aortic aneurysms?
To decrease expansion rate
What procedure is done for aortic aneurysms?
Endovascular stent repair
What are common symptoms of an aortic dissection?
Severe, sharp pain in posterior chest or back
What is the classification system for aortic dissections?
Stanford Class A, B and DeBakey Class 1, 2, 3
What is a dissection?
Tear in the intimal layer of the vessel, causing blood to enter the medial layer
What type of dissection is classified as Stanford A?
Ascending aorta involved
What is indicated for Stanford A dissection if the aortic arch is involved?
Surgical resection
Stanford B?
Descending aorta involved
DeBakey 1?
Ascending and descending aorta
DeBakey 2?
Ascending aorta
DeBakey 3?
Descending aorta