Aortic disease Flashcards
What is aortic aneurysm?
Localised enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the vessel wall
What are the 2 types of aneurysm?
True aneurysms- all 3 layers
- Saccular
- Fusiform
False aneurysms- contained by adventitia or surrounding soft tissue
What are the causes of true aneurysms?
Atherosclerosis
Smoking
Bicuspid aortic valve
Collagen abnormalities
Infection
Trauma
What are the causes of false aneurysms?
Trauma
Iatrogenic
Inflammation
What are the symptoms of aortic aneurysm?
SoB
Dysphagia
Signs of heart failure
Hoarse voice
Back pain
Pulsatile mass
What is the treatment of aortic aneurysm?
Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
Open abdominal aorta aneurysm repair
What is aortic dissection?
Tear in the inner lining of the aorta
What are the 2 types of aortic dissection?
Type A- involves ascending aorta
Type B- no ascending aorta involvement
What are the causes of aortic dissection?
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Bicuspid aortic valve
Marfan’s syndrome
Trauma
What is the histological appearance of aortic dissection?
Cystic medial necrosis
Cysts replace smooth muscle and elastin in T/media weakening the artery
What are the symptoms of aortic dissection?
Sudden sharp chest pain radiating to back
Breathing difficulties
Loss of consciousness
Difficulty speaking, loss of vision, sudden weakness
Walking difficulties
What are the signs of aortic dissection?
Reduced peripheral pulses
Hypertension/Hypotension
BP mismatch
Early diastolic murmur
Pulmonary oedema
Signs of stroke
What are the complications of aortic dissection?
Severe internal bleed
Organ damage
Stroke
Aortic regurgitation
Cardiac tamponade
What is the treatment for type A dissection?
BP control
- Beta blockers
- CCBs
Emergency surgery
What is the treatment for type B dissection?
BP control
Percutaneous intervention
