aneurysms Flashcards
Pathology, signs, complications, and treatment of aneurysms. Part of cardiovascular module.
pathology of atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm
atherosclerosis ischaemia of aortic media release of macrophage enzymes pronounced loss of elastic tissue fibrosis of media
symptoms of atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm
pulsatile abdominal mass
lower limb ischaemia
rupture –> massive peritoneal haemorrhage
complications of atherosclerotic aortic aneurysm
peripheral vascular disease
treatment of atherosclerotic aneurysm
elective repair
percutaneous insertion of stents
pathology of dissecting aortic aneurysm
degeneration of aortic media characterised by mucoid degeneration and elastic fibre fragmentation
in some cases, intima tears around atheroma
signs of dissecting aortic aneurysm
loss of peripheral pulses
haemopericadium
re-entry from the dissected media to lumen causing double barrelled aorta
retroperitoneal haemorrhage if external rupture
treatment of dissecting aortic aneurysm
contain propagating haematoma - reduce arterial pressure
surgery - esp. if in proximal aorta
pathology of berry aneurysm
affects circle of Willis
muscular arterial wall replaced by fibrous tissue
lesions arise at branching points in circle
signs of berry aneurysm
visual disturbances pain above/around eye numbness or weakness on one side of face difficulty speaking headaches loss of balance difficulty concentrating/short-term memory problems
complications of berry aneurysm
subarachnoid haemorrhage
treatment of berry aneurysm
surgery
active observation
pathology of capillary microaneurysm (Charcot-Bouchard)
may be intracerebral
common in branches of middle cerebral artery
complications of Charcot-Bouchard aneurysm
hypertensive intracerebral haemorrhage
diabetic retinopathy
treatment for Charcot Bouchard aneurysm
surgery
pathology of mycotic aneurysm (infective)
most common in cerebral arteries
organisms reach arterial wall via bloodstream –> enter media via vasa vasorum
most common is bacterial endocarditis
