ANEURYSM DISEASE Flashcards
complications of an untreated aneurysm?
- Rupture
- Dissection
- Embolism of material distally
- Thrombosis of the Aneurysm
- Aorto-enteric Fistula
Etiologies of Aneurysms?
- ATHEROSCLEROSIS • Most occur in the 6th & 7th decade of life
- Often associated with: – C.A.D. – Hypertension – Cerebral Vascular Disease – Renal Impairment – Diabetes – C.O.P.D.
- Syphilis – Is a late Complication of – Previously most common cause
- Cystic Medial Necrosis – Marfan’s Syndrome – Small percentage of aneurysms
- Ehlers-DanlosSyndrome – Loss of Elastic Fibers
- Trauma
Risk factors for aneurysms?
- Age (increases with age, 60-80)
- Gender (incidence greater in males)
- Family History (15% familial)
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypertension
- Smoking
- plus: other atherosclerotic associated risk factor
Aneurysm classifications are based on?
•Location •Type •Pathology
Locations of aneurysms?
Aortic Locations: • Sinus of Valsalva • Ascending Aorta • Transverse Aortic Arch • Descending Thoracic Aorta • Thoraco-Abdominal Aorta • Abdominal Aorta – Infra-renal = 90%
• Iliac Artery • Femoral Artery • Popliteal Artery • Carotid Artery • Mesenteric Arteries – Splenic
What is a fusaform aneurysm?
• Ovoid configuration
Involves the Entire Circumference of the artery
TRUE: • Fusiform shape - usually • Has all the elements of the vessel wall • Localized Dilation of the Artery • Weakening of the whole wall of the artery
What is a saccular aneurysm?
Aneurysmal Defect is confined to a portion of the circumference of the arterial wall, the remainder is uninvolved
What is a pseudo-aneurysm?
FALSE (Pseudo-aneurysm) • Does not include all the layers/elements of the arterial wall • Adventiais Usually Intact • Frequently due to TRAUMA • “Hematoma” • Can be due to instrumentation of an artery – Surgery or Percutaneous
Explain a dissecting aneurysm?
DISSECTING: • False Lumen • The histological layers of the arterial wall are separated by blood entering through an intimal tear • There is Progressive Extension of the False Lumen Proximally and/or Distally
What is a mycotic aneurysm?
• InfectedAneurysm – Bacterial – Fungal • Tuberculosis – Syphilitic • Infected Pseudo-aneurysm • Dissection • Embolization • Fistula
What is a sinus of valsalva aneurysm?
• Uncommon • Male >Female • Average age 31 • Etiology – Usually congenital weakness – Bacterial Endocarditis – Tuberculosis – Syphilis • Rupture – into Right Ventricle or Atrium
What are the symptoms of the sinus of valsalva aneurysm?
• Pain –Angina like –Right upper quadrant • Nausea / Vomiting • Dyspnea • Feeling of Constriction
Findings of a sinus of valsalva aneurysm?
• Often found incidentally at heart catheterization or on C.T. Scan • Asymptomatic (usually) unless Rupture • Murmur +/– Partial obstruction of Pulmonary outflow tract – If concurrent aortic valve disease • C.H.F. • Wide Pulse Pressure • Death
what is an ascending throacic aneurysm? its etiologies?
- Fusiform • Associated Hypertension 90% • There may be concomitant atherosclerotic occlusive disease in other areas • 50% of thoracic aneurysms
- 6th and 7th decade of life –can be earlier • Male > Female • Atherosclerosis • Syphilis –Most common cause in the Past –May be saccular
Symptoms of an ascending thoracic aneurysm?
• Pain +/• Usually secondary to Compression, Distortion or Erosion of surrounding structures • Rupture • May become quite large without symptoms • Dyspnea – Compression of trachea or bronchus
Pain: • May be Acute if Sudden Rupture or Dissection • Mild if Gradual expansion • Radiate – Neck, back, shoulder or abdomen • If pain is increasing it is an Ominous sign
Findings of an ascending thoracic aneurysm?
- Palpable only if extends above the supra-sternal notch - rare
- Tracheal Deviation
- Murmur – Aortic Valve Insufficiency (AVI) – Aortic Valve Stenosis (AVS)
- Heart Failure – AVI
- Hoarseness – Stretch on Vagus or Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve • Left vocal cord paralysis
- Dysphagia - Compression of Esophagus
- Embolic findings/symptoms
- Sudden Death – Shock – Cardiac Tamponade