AAA Flashcards
What is an aneurysm?
Dilatation of a vessel by more than 50% of its normal diameter
What is the normal diameter of the aorta?
1.2-2cm
What types of aneurysm are there?
True and False aneurysms
True - all 3 layers of vessel wall intact
False - breach in vessel wall involving all 3 layers
A pseudo-aneurysm is kept in check by the surrounding structures.
T/F?
True
Pseudo-aneurysm is another name for a false aneurysm
The blood flow in a true aneurysm is…?
contained
Which morphology has the greatest risk of rupture?
saccular
What morphology are the majority of aneurysms?
fusiform (spindle)
Which morphology arise secondary to infection?
mycotic
infection builds around artery causing it to weaken
What is the pathogenesis of the formation of an aneurysm?
= medial degeneration; regulation of elastin/collagen in aortic wall; aneurysmal dilatation; increased aortic wall stress; progressive dilatation.
Atherosclerosis is a cause of aneurysm.
T/F?
FALSE
atherosclerosis is an incidental finding/condition, it is not the cause.
Male or female more likely to have an aneurysm?
male (6:1)
How would AAA present?
75% asymptomatic. Symptomatic: pain "trashing" of distal arteries rupture
Describe the pain assoc. with a ruptured AAA.
sudden onset, epigastric/central pain - may radiate to back
collapse
What would you find on examination of a patient with AAA?
Might look fine hypo/hypertensive transmitted pulse (to flanks) peripheral pulses pulsatile, expansile mass ± tender (in a thin person)
Which has ruptured AAA has a better outcome: retro-peritoneal or intra-peritoneal?
retro = contained rupture intra = free and rapidly fatal
