Aneurysms Flashcards
Name of a symmetrical aneurysm
Fusiform aneurysm
Name of an asymmetrical aneurysm
Saccular aneurysm
Primary cause of aneurysm
Weakening of vessel wall with blood pressure bulging the wall outwards
Conditions that predispose to aneurysm
- Atheroma
- Vasculitis
- Infection
- Congenital weakness
- Trauma
- Hypertension
What is a cerebral (berry) aneurysm and what is a potential complication with it?
Aneurysm of artery in the brain
Causes fatal intracranial haemorrhage of ruptured
How is an aortic aneurysm treated?
By-pass graft
What is a cardiac aneurysm and what is it’s commonest cause?
Aneurysm of heart wall
Myocardial infarction is commonest cause
What is an aortic dissection?
Condition where blood enters tunica media through tear in tunica intima
Main cause of aortic dissection
Hypertension
Complications of aortic dissection
- Rupture through adventitia causing haemothorax etc.
- Regurgitation of aortic valve if in that vicinity
- Ischaemia if branches compressed
What is cardiac tamponade?
Condition where excess fluid in pericardium inhibits normal chamber filling causing decreased cardiac output
