aortic dissection Flashcards
1
Q
What is it?
A
a tear in the inner layer of the aorta, allowing blood to pass through causing the inner and outer layers to separate
2
Q
What are the causes?
A
weakened aortic wall, chronic high BP, Marfan syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve
3
Q
Presentation?
A
Chest pain that can radiate to neck or down back described as a tearing pain, shortness of breath, syncope, leg paralysis/pain, weaker pulse in one arm than the other
4
Q
What would it show on a CT scan?
A
false lumen
5
Q
what is the treatment?
A
surgery
6
Q
what is Marfan syndrome?
A
genetic condition to do with a problem with connective tissues
7
Q
What would it show on the CXR?
A
widening mediastinum
8
Q
what is a precursor for aortic dissection?
A
intramural haemoatoma
