aneurysms and aortic dissection Flashcards
why does atherosclerosis increase the risk of aneurysms?
Atherosclerosis induced pressure or ischaemic atrophy of the underlying media, with loss of elastic tissue causing weakness resulting in aneursmal dilation
risk factors for AAA (6)
age >50yrs; male; smoking; hypertension; family history; connective tissue disorders
presentation of an AAA
usually asymptomatic; can cause pain or tenderness
what is a mycotic aneurysm
an infection in the blood vessels arising due to haematogenous spread of an infection
presentation of a ruptured AAA
abdominal pain radiating to the back; collapse; pulsatile abdominal mass; tachycardia; drop in BP (if ruptures to the front)
ruptures AAA triad
hypotension; abdominal/back pain/ pulsatile abdominal mass
presentation of AAA embolisation and what causes it
caused by part of the thrombus inside the aneurysm breaking off and emobolising; acute limb ischaemia (6 Ps) and blue toe syndrome
what is blue toe syndrome
when there is a microembolism from atherosclerotic plaques/aneurysms that results in ischaemic toes with palpable foot pulse
size of normal aorta
around 2.5cm
at what size is an AAA referred to vascular
> 5.5cm; urgent referral, to be seen within 2 weeks
what should be done with an AAA 4.5-5.5cm AAA (screening)
screen every 3-6 months
rules for driving with an AAA
can continue to drive if <6cm; must notify DVLA if 6-6.4cm; must stop driving if >6.5; if a lorry/bus driver then must notify is <5.5 and stop if >5.5
management for a small AAA (<5.5) (4)
give antiplatelet and statins (decrease CVD risk); smoking cessation; treat hypertension; increase surveillance (12mo for 3-4.5cm and 3/6mo for 4.5-5.5)
indications for AAA surgery (3)
diameter >= 5.5cm; increase in size by >1cm per year; symptomatic (indicative of rupture/emboli)
what should be checked in the AAA pre-op assessment (8)
age; comorbidities; family/patient wishes; frailty; CT aortogram; bloods; CXR/ECG/lung function test etc.; optimal cardio/resp/renal function has been obtained
why should you clamp an AAA above and below during an open repair surgery
to stop blood flow to it - there is a collateral supply to the legs which can result in back bleeding
when is an open repair done over EVAR
younger patients (lasts for longer, less risky); aneurysm not suitable for EVAR; patient unstable
complications of open repair (8)
death; bleeding; ischaemia (colon and limbs); cardiac/resp/renal failure; wound infection/dehiscene; adhesive small bowel obstruction; graft infection; aorto-enteric fistula
what is trash foot
Acute lower limb ischaemia following aortic surgery
what is an aorto-enteric fistula
when a fistula between the small bowel and the aorta occurs allowing bleeding from the aorta into the bowel - life threatening
what must be considered anatomically for an EVAR (6)
infra renal neck - length (1.5cm min), diameter (30mm max), shape, angulation; iliac access - patency, tortuosity, diameter
pros of an EVAR
keyhole - less time in hospital, safer