aneurysms

Question 1

aneurysms

Answer 1

HTN weakens the walls of arteries, increasing development of bulges in arterial walls.
cause turbulent blood flow and are susceptible to rupture.

Question 2

what sound may be heard over an aneurysm?

Answer 2

bruits

Question 3

most common areas for aneurysms?

Answer 3

aorta and cerebral arteries

Question 4

risk factors for aneurysms

Answer 4

atherosclerosis
HTN
diseases of blood vessels
trauma
tobacco use
age (>65)

Question 5

common aneurysms

Answer 5

Aortic aneurysm: Abdominal aortic aneurysm, Thoracic aortic aneurysm, Dissecting aortic aneurysm.
Cerebral.
False (pseudo) aneurysms.
Saccular, fusiform, berry aneurysm

Question 6

Saccular Aneurysm

Answer 6

Saccular (balloon shaped)
Involves only 1 part of circumference.
Wide neck.
can be seen on angiogram

Question 7

Berry Aneurysms

Answer 7

Subtype of saccular
Small neck
Located at bifurcation
Common Location: Circle of Willis
diagnosed by angiography
Hx & CM
tx: medical=control of HTN & vasospasm, surgical= drain, clipping, coiling.

Question 8

Circle of Willis

Answer 8

provides connection between the anterior & posterior circulation & is located at the base of the brain.
arteries that stem off the circle of willis supply much of the blood to the brain.

Question 9

Fusiform Aneurysm

Answer 9

Entire circumference of vessel.
Gradual/progressive dilatation.
Potentially extensive involvement.
may just be monitored and an intervention may not be required.

Question 10

False (Pseudo-) Aneurysm

Answer 10

Localized dissection or tear in inner artery wall.
Type of hematoma.
Complication of vascular interventional procedures.
may heal on its own.

Question 11

Upon auscultation of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA), what is heard and what does it suggest?

Answer 11

a bruit over the abdominal aorta suggests the presence of an aneurysm.

Question 12

If a pulsatile mass is evident in the abdomen during inspection or light palpation, what type of palpations should not be performed until AAA is ruled out?

Answer 12

deep palpations

Question 13

Dissecting Aneurysm

Answer 13

Layers of the wall of the artery are separated and blood enters the region.

Question 14

Aortic Dissection: Manifestations

Answer 14

Sudden severe, tearing pain
Early stages: BP is elevated
Later stages: BP may be unobtainable; Syncope, hemiplegia, paralysis of lower extremities; Cardiovascular collapse leads to shock then death

Question 15

how is an aortic dissection diagnosed?

Answer 15

CT scan or MRA (angiogram)

Question 16

Aortic Dissection: emergency pharmacotherapy

Answer 16

beta blockers.
nitrates.