7.4 Aortic Dissection and Aneurysm Flashcards
What is aortic dissection?
Intimal tear with dissection of the blood through the media of the aortic wall
What are the requirements for aortic dissection?
Pre-existing weakness of the vessel wall
Where is the most common place for aortic dissection?
Within the first 10 cm of the proximal aorta
What are the common causes of aortic dissection?
- HTN
- Congenital defects of connective tissue
How does HTN cause weakening of the vessel wall?
It causes hyaline arteriolosclerosis of the vasa vasorum which will lead to the deterioration of the smooth muscle layer and weakening of the wall
What is a major complication of aortic dissection?
Pericardial Tamponade
What is the most common cause of death from aortic dissection?
Pericardial Tamponade
What is required for aortic aneurysm?
Weakness in the vessel wall
What is the most common cause thoracic aneurysm?
Tertiary Syphilis
What is the main complication of thoracic aneurysm?
Aortic Valve Insufficiency
Where is the most common location of the abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Below the kidneys but above the aortic bifurcation
What is the main cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
Atherosclerosis
What are the major risk factors for AAA?
- Smoking
- Males
- Age
- HTN
What is the major complication of AAA?
Rupture - especially greater than 5 cm
What are the triad of symptoms of AAA rupture?
- Hypotension
- Flank Pain
- Pulsatile Abdominal Mass
