Aortic Disease Flashcards
What is an aneurysm
- Aneurysm > local enlargement/bulge via vessel wall weakening
What is a true aneurysm
True aneurysm > stretch and dilation of all 3 layers of artery
False aneurysm
false aneurysm > rupture of wall with a contained haematoma by adventitia or soft tissue
Signs and symptoms of aneurysm
dyspnoea, dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing), hoarseness, back pain and a
pulsatile mass;
more common in males (all men aged over 65 invited to undergo ultrasound for abdominal aortic aneurysm)
How swollen does aorta need to be to be classed as aneurysm
3cm (normally 2cm in health)
How big does aneurysm need to be to be eligible for surgery
> 5.5cm
What is a dissection
a tear in the inner wall, allowing blood to flow between the intima and media, splitting the media and causing a false lumen
What is a stanford A vs B aneurysm
Stanford type A > involves ascending aorta with or without arch/descending; typically requires surgery
Stanford type B > only involves descending aorta; typically does not require surgery
Risk factors for dissection
male gender, aged 50-70, hypertension, connective tissue
disorders
What is coarctation
Narrowing of aorta
Symptoms and signs of dissection
severe, sharp chest pain radiating to interscapular region, collpase
reduced or absent peripheral pulses, tachycardia, BP mismatch between sides, pulmonary oedema, ST elevation on ECG