ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM

Question 1

Outpouching of the wall of
an artery resulting from a structural
defect in the layers of the arterial wall
occur in a weakened area of a blood
vessel.

Answer 1

Aneurysm

Question 2

A
pseudoaneurysm occurs when a
blood vessel wall is injured. Blood
leaking from the vessel collects in
surrounding tissue. It is
sometimes called a ________ ________. It may also be called
pseudoaneurysm of the vessels.
➔ Pseudoaneurysm
➔ results from trauma or iatrogenic injury,
such as during surgery or vascular
procedures.
➔ May present as a pulsatile mass.
➔ Lacks the three-layered structure of a
true aneurysm.

Answer 2

False Aneurysm

Question 3

The vessel wall
weakens and bulges. It
sometimes forms a blood-filled
sac. But the vessel wall is not
injured.

Answer 3

True Aneurysm

Question 4

Refers to an
aneurysm that has a
circumferential and ballooning
shape.
➔ More diffuse dilation of the vessel
wall
➔ Involves entire circumference
➔ Gradual and symmetrical dilation of
both sides of the blood vessel
➔ Lacks a distinct neck, blending
smoothly with the normal vessel.

Answer 4

True Aneurysm (fusiform)

Question 5

Berry aneurysms are the most common
type of intracranial aneurysm,
representing 90% of cerebral
aneurysms. Generally speaking,
there is a ballooning arising from
a weakened area in the wall of a
blood vessel in the brain.
➔ Localized dilation of blood vessel wall
➔ Occurs on one side of the blood vessel
wall
➔ Resembles a rounded sac
➔ Forms a distinct neck

Answer 5

True Aneurysm Saccular

Question 6

Begins abruptly when a tear occurs in
the inner layer of a weakened area of your aorta. Blood surges
through the tear, causing the
inner and middle layers to
separate ________ . As diverted
blood flows between the tissue
layers, the normal blood flow to
parts of your body may be
slowed or stopped, or the aorta
may rupture completely.
➔ involves a tear in the inner layer of the
arterial wall, allowing blood to enter and
separate the layers of the vessel wall.
➔ occurs spontaneously but can also
result from trauma.
➔ Blood accumulates within the vessel
wall, creating a false lumen.

Answer 6

Dissecting Aneurysm

Question 7

Occurs when the large
blood vessel (the aorta) that
supplies blood to the abdomen,
pelvis and legs becomes
weakened, enlarged or balloons
outward. Most of these
aneurysms occur below the renal
arteries (infrarenal aneurysms)

Answer 7

(AAA) Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Question 8

Which affects about 3% to 5% of the U.S.
population, occurs when the wall
of a blood vessel in the brain
becomes weakened and bulges
or balloons out. The three types
of ___________ ___________ are: berry
(saccular), fusiform and mycotic

Answer 8

Cerebral Aneurysm

Question 9

An abnormal bulging or ballooning
of the part of the aorta that
passes through the chest down to
the diaphragm. A common cause
is atherosclerosis, or hardening of
the arteries.

Answer 9

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

Question 10

Three layers of normal blood vessels

Answer 10

1. Tunica Intima
   ➔ Inner layer
   ➔ Enable blood to transport oxygen and
   nutrients without getting absorbed until
   it reaches the right spot.
2. Tunica Media
   ➔ Middle layer
   ➔ Enable the aorta to meet the body’s
   changing blood flow needs.
   ➔ When more blood is necessary, the
   aorta widens. If less blood is needed, it
   narrows.
3. Tunica Adventitia
   ➔ Outer layer
   ➔ Anchors the aorta in place

Question 11

Signs and symptoms
If growing:

Answer 11

● Abdominal pain (dull, achy, or
throbbing)
● Abdominal tenderness
● Back pain
● Pulsating abdominal mass
● Peripheral signs of vascular disease
● Hypertension

Question 12

Signs and symptoms
If impending rupture:

Answer 12

● Excessive internal bleeding
● Hypotension
● Tachycardia
● Pallor and diaphoresis
● Nausea and vomiting
● Loss of consciousness

Question 13

Goal standard of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (Aneurysm)

Answer 13

CT Angiography