Aneurysms Flashcards
1
Q
What is an aneurysm?
A
Dilatation of an artery due to a weakness in the vessel wall
2
Q
What are risk factors?
A
Obesity FH Male Age Smoking HTN Hyperlipidaemia DM
3
Q
What are the different types of aneurysms?
A
True
- involving all 3 layers of the vascular wall
- can be symmetrical or asymmetrical
False
- blood accumulates due to boundaries of extravascular tissue
- does not involve vessel walls
4
Q
What are causes?
A
Atherosclerosis Vasculitis Developmental- Marfans Infective- IE Cocaine use Trauma
5
Q
What are common sites?
A
AAA Cerebral Popliteal- associated with AAA Femoral Thoracic
6
Q
What are symptoms?
A
Unruptured
- asymptomatic
- pulsatile mass on abdo examination
- epigastric/loin pain
Ruptured
- epigastric/loin pain
- sweating
- hypotension and shock
7
Q
What screening and monitoring is available?
A
All men aged >65 are offered one screening USS
In patients with AAA
- 3-4.4cm= USS annually
- 4.5-5.4cm= USS 3 monthly
- > 5.4cm OR >1cm growth in 1 year= urgent 2 week referral to vascular surgeons for operative repair
8
Q
What is the management of a ruptured/large AAA?
A
A-E resus if ruptured
Surgery- to insert stent to help with blood flow
9
Q
What is a popliteal aneurysm?
A
Back of the knee
Often have AAA
Can cause acute/chronic limb ischaemia and distal emboli
Use USS and angiography to assess extent
Treatment with bypass grafts
