Aneurysms (Exam 1) Flashcards
Aneurysm often coincide with
Uncontrolled HTN
High blood pressure —> Blood vessel dilation —> weakened wall that burst
What might be heard of an aneurysm?
Bruits
Most common areas for aneurysm
Aorta and cerebral arteries
Aneurysm Risk Factors
Atherosclerosis
Hypertension
Diseases of blood vessels
Trauma
Tobacco use
Age (over 65 years)
Family history
Common Aneurysms
AROTIC
-Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
-Thoracic
-Dissecting aortic aneurysm
Cerebral (Brain)
False (pseudo)
Saccular, Berry, Fusiform
Saccular Aneurysm
Wall weakens causing the vessel to balloon out
Involves only one side of circumference
Can have a wide neck
Berry Aneurysms
Type of saccular aneurysm
Has a small neck and located at bifurcation (circle of willis) (located base of brain)
How do we diagnose Berry Aneurysms
Angiography and history / clinical manifestations
Treatment of berry aneurysms
Medical-control of HTN and vasospasms
Surgical-drain, clipping, coiling
Fusiform Aneursysms
Entire circumference of vessel
Gradual progressive dilation
Frequently monitored
False (pseudo) Aneurysms
Localized dissection or tear in inner artery wall
Type of hematoma
Treatment of false (peseudo) aneurysm
Heal on their own
May need intervention
False Aneurysms are usually a complication of what?
Vascular interventional procedures
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm is common found by
Auscultation of a bruit over the abdominal aorta
If a pulsatile mass is evident in the abdomen during inspection or light palpation,
deep palpation should not be performed until the possibility of AAA is ruled out
Complication of Aneurysms
RUPTURE AND BLEEDING OUT
Types of aortic aneurysm
Ascending
Arch
Descending
Abdominal
Dissection
Layers of the wall of the artery are separated and blood enters the region
Medical Emergency
High blood flow tears wall away
Aneurysms can increase your risk of
Aortic Dissection
Aortic Dissection: Manifestations
Early
Late
Sudden severe, TEARING pain (chest-neck-jaw-abdomen)
Early:
-Blood pressure is elevated
Later:
-BP may by unobtainable
-Syncope, hemiplegia, paralysis of lower extremities
-cardiovascular collapse –> shock –> death
Aortic Dissection is diagnosed via
CT scan or MRA (MRI with angiogram)
Emergency pharmacotherapy for aortic dissection
Beta blockers (low blood pressure to prevent further tearing)
Nitrates
Aortic dissection is a
Surgical emergency. Minutes count
