Aortic Disease 1 Flashcards
Describe the sections of the thoracicorta as mentioned in the lecture.
The sections are aortic root, ascending aorta, aortic arch, and descending thoracic aorta.
Define the sinus of Valsalva and its significance in the aortic root.
The sinus of Valsalva is a dilation in the aortic root where the coronary arteries originate.
How is the aortic root typically measured in clinical practice?
The aortic root is measured at three levels: annulus diameter, sinus of Valsalva diameter, and sinotubular junction diameter.
Do you know the layers that make up the wall of the aorta?
The layers are intima (innermost), media (middle), and adventitia (outermost).
Describe the histology of the intima in the aorta.
The intima consists of endothelial cells and sub-endothelial collagen and elastic fibers.
What is the significance of the sinotubular junction in the aortic anatomy?
The sinotubular junction is the connection point between the sinus of Valsalva and the ascending aorta, crucial for structural integrity.
Describe the layers of the wall of the aorta.
The layers are intima, media, and adventitia.
What is atherosclerosis and its significance?
Atherosclerosis is the commonest cause of death in the western world, characterized by the buildup of plaque in arteries.
Define an aneurysm.
An aneurysm is a localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the vessel wall.
How does a true aneurysm differ from a false aneurysm?
A true aneurysm involves all three layers of the artery wall, while a false aneurysm is caused by a rupture in the wall.
Describe some risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Risk factors include hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, diabetes, and family history.
What are some conditions that can predispose to thoracic aortic aneurysms?
Conditions include hypertension, atherosclerosis, smoking, bicuspid aortic valve, Marfan’s syndrome, and syphilis.
Describe the difference between a true aneurysm and a pseudoaneurysm in terms of their arterial wall composition.
A true aneurysm is made of all three layers of the artery wall while a pseudoaneysm may only of surrounding structures or thin layer of advent.
Describe the difference between a normal aortic aneurysm and aortic dissection.
Aortic dissection is caused by a tear the inner wall of aorta, leading blood entering and splitting the wall, while an aneurysm involves a localized dilation of the aorta.
Define false lumen in the context of aortic dissection.
False lumen is the new channel created by blood entering through the wall of the aorta during a dissection, potentially leading to complications like occlusion of side branches.
How can aortic dissection lead to organ ischemia?
Aortic dissection can lead to organ ischemia by potentially occluding side branches of the aorta, including coronary, mesenteric, carotid, renal, and spinal arteries.
Describe the histological findings in the aorta of a patient with aortic dissection.
Histologically, aortic dissection may show cystic media necrosis, characterized by muco-polysaccharide cysts replacing smooth muscles and elastin in the media layer.
What are some risk factors for aortic dissection?
Risk factors for aortic dissection include hypertension, atherosclerosis, Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, and trauma.
How can aortic dissection present clinically if it involves the coronary arteries?
Aortic dissection involving the coronary arteries may present as acute myocardial infarction due to compromised blood flow to the heart muscle.
Describe the Stanford classification for aortic dissection.
It categorizes dissections as Type A (involving ascending aorta) or Type B (not involving ascending aorta).
What are common symptoms of acute thoracic aortic dissection?
Severe chest pain, collapse, stroke symptoms, reduced peripheral pulses, hypertension or hypotension.
Define the test of choice for diagnosing thoracic aortic dissection.
C.T. angiogram aorta is the preferred diagnostic test.
How does the Stanford classification differentiate between Type A and Type B dissections?
Type A involves the ascending aorta, while Type B does not.
Describe the limitations of a transthoracic echocardiogram in diagnosing aortic dissection.
It can only confidently visualize the aortic root and proximal ascending aorta, potentially missing dissections in other areas.
