aortic aneurysms and carotid artery disease Flashcards
what is the definition of an aortic aneurysm?
dilatation of the all layers of the aorta, leading to an increase in diameter of >50% (abdominal aorta >3cm)
what is a false aneurysm?
not all layers like an aneurysm, can be from blood in the space between intima and media
what is arteriomegaly and subarneurysmal dialatation?
dilatation of an artery less than the required size for aneurysm (i.e. <3cm in abdominal aorta)
where do the majority if abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) occur?
between the renal arteries and the bifurcation of the abdominal aorta
what are the 3 causes of aortic aneurysm?
- degenerative disease (atheroma)
- connective tissue disease (eg. Merfan’s)
- infection (mycotic aneurysm)
what are the risk factors for AAA?
male age smoking hypertension family history
which form of AAA is harderst to treat?
infection
whar are the 3 ways thar assymptomatic AAAs can be discovered?
- examination by a clinician
- looking at family history
- incidental finding on imaging eg. CT or US
are AAAs screened for?
yes, men over 65 are screened
what are the outcomes if screening for AAA shows aorta is normal?
discharged
what is the outcome if screening for AAA shows aorta is 3.0-4.4 cm (small aneurysm)?
invited for annual USS scans
what is the outcome if screening for AAA shows aorta is 4.5-5.5 cm (medium aneurysm)?
invited for 3 monthly USS scans
what is the outcome if screening for AAA shows aorta is >5.5cm (large aneurysm)
treatment offered
what are the symptopms for an impending AAA rupture?
increasing back pain
tender AAA
what are the symptoms for AAA rupture?
- abdominal/back/flank pain
- painful pulsatile mass
- haemodynamic instability (abnormal blood flow)
- hypoperfusion (shock)
what are some of the less common presentations of AAA?
distal embolisation aortocaval fistula aortoenteric fitula uretereral occlusion duodenal obstruction
what is an aortocaval fistula?
a joining of the IVC and the aorta, it is caused by a AAA
what is an aortoenteric fistula?
a connection between the aorts and the oesophagus, intestines or stomach, can be caused by AAA