aortic aneurysm and carotid artery disease Flashcards
what is the definition of a aneurysm
when there is dilatation of all layers of the aorta - increase by over 50%
what is the size of a abdominal aortic aneurysm
greater than 3.5cm
what are the 3 layers of the aora (and for tht most arteries)
tunica intima
tunica media
tunica externa
what are the 3 overarching causes of aneyrism
degenerative disease
connective tissue disease
infection
what are the risk factors for degenerative Abdominal Aortic Aneyrisms (AAA)
sex - male old age smoking hypertension family history
who is offered AAA screening
men over the age of 65 with other risk factors
what is the size of a small AAA
3.0 - 4.4cm
what is the size of a medium AAA
4.5 - 5.5cm
what is the size of a lare AAA
> 5.5cm
what is the presentation of a impending rupture
increasing back pain
tender AAA
what is the presentation of a rupture
abdo/back/flank pain
haemodynamic instability
hypo perfusion
what is the management of asymptomatic aneurysms
conservative,
endovascular repair
open repair
what are the two methods to image a AAA
Ultra sound
CT angiogram
why would you choose conservative treatment
patient/aneurysm not fit for repair
consider event of rupture
what are the complications associated with open repair
DVT/PE
MI
stroke
damage to bowel, veins, nerves
graft infection