Aneurysm and AAA Flashcards
1
Q
What is dissection? (4)
A
- Blood escapes through the innermost layer of the wall of the artery (media)
- Prises apart the media
- Creates a new lumen
- Can be stable/rupture
2
Q
How can aortic dissection compromise valve function?
A
Thoracic aortic aneurysm - close to aortic valve
3
Q
What is rupture?
A
Wall of the aorta completely fails, and blood escapes freely into a body cavity (e.g. abdominal cavity)
4
Q
What is aneurysm?
A
Artery that has a localised dilation
5
Q
What are aneurysms a risk factor for? (3)
A
- Thrombosis
- Embolism
- Dissection/rupture
6
Q
Risk factors for aneurysms (12)
A
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- Age
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- High LDL levels
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Genetics
- Co-arctation of the aorta
- Marfan’s syndrome, and other connective tissue disorders
- Previous aortic surgery
- Pregnancy
- Men
7
Q
Changes on x ray aortic dissection (4)
A
- Widened mediastinum
- Double knuckle aorta
- Right deviation of trachea/NG tube
- Seperation of calcified aorta wall by +5mm
