Vascular Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)?
abdominal aorta grows to 1.5x normal size or exceeds normal diameter by >50% through dilation
What patients should be screened for AAA?
Former and current smokers >65
What is used to screen for AAA?
Abdominal US
When is surgery indicated for a AAA?
5cm
How do you manage AAA with a diameter of 3-4cm?
US every 2-3 years
How do you manage a AAA with diameter of 4-5.4cm?
US or CT every 6-12 months
How do you manage a AAA >5.5cm?
Surgery
When does an aortic dissection occur?
Tear in the intima of the aorta creates a false lumen: weak spot extends with each beat extending the tear
What are risk factors for aortic dissection?
HTN, Age >40, Marfan
What is the main risk factor for aortic dissection?
Hypertension
How does an aortic dissection present?
Sudden onset tearing chest pain that radiates to the back, possible asymmetric blood pressure between arms
What is the best initial test for aortic dissection?
CXR: widened mediastinum
What is the most important step in treating an aortic dissection?
Control BP
What drugs are used to control BP in an aortic dissection?
Beta-blockers: decrease shearing forces
Nitroprusside: after beta-blockers only
surgical correction
What is the most accurate test for an aortic dissection?
Angiogram
What are varicose veins?
Veins enlarged and twisted because the leaflets of the valves have become incompetent
What veins are varicose veins most commonly found in?
Superficial veins of the legs
How do you treat varicose veins that cause ulcerations or clotting?
Surgical stripping or Sclerotherapy
What is thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)?
compression of N/A/V in the passageway from the lower neck to the armpit
What is the most common cause of TOS?
congenital cervical rib : extra rib from the 7th cervical vertebra
What are the 3 main types of TOS?
Neurogenic
Venous
Arterial
How does Neurogenic TOS present?
Pain, weakness and thenar atrophy
How does Venous TOS present?
swelling, pain and cyanosis of the arm
How does Arterial TOS present?
pain, coldness and pallor of the arm
