Aortic Dissection Flashcards
1
Q
aortic dissection
A
tear in the tunica intima of the aorta
2
Q
causes
A
hypertension
marfan’s
valvular disease
cocaine
3
Q
signs
A
tearing pain radiation to central back, between shoulder blades sudden onset radio-femoral delay radio-radio delay different BP on each arm neurological signs absent femoral/carotid pulses
4
Q
investigations
A
CT angiogram of chest, abdo and pelvis
trans-oesophageal echocardiogram - if unstable
ECG
CXR - widened mediastinum
5
Q
types
A
stanford A - arch of aorta, ascending
stanford B - descending aorta
6
Q
management
A
stanford A - surgery and stabilise BP
stanford B - stabilise BP
7
Q
how is an ECG useful in this condition
A
aortic dissection can cause ischaemia in different parts of the heart, ECG can show which area is affected
8
Q
what can differentiate proximal and distal aortic dissection
A
murmur will be heard in proximal
