Aortic Dissection Flashcards

0
Q

Why is it important not to get an MI and aortic dissection confused?

A

The treatment for MI (anticoagulation with heparin or thrombolytics) worsens aortic dissection

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1
Q

Patient with aortic dissection. Next steps?

A
  1. Intervenous beta blocker
  2. noninvasive imaging procedure (transesophageal echo, CT angiography, MRI)
  3. Lower BP if hypertensive
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2
Q

Definition of an abdominal aortic aneurysm? Typically occurs where?

A

Dilation to more than 1.5 times the normal diameter of the aorta. Below the renal arteries.

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3
Q

Cystic degeneration affects what layer of the aorta? Occurs in what connective tissue disorders?

A

Elastic media. Marfan’s and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

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4
Q

Factors predisposing to aortic dissection?

A

Heart problems: aortic valvular abnormalities,

vessel issues: Cystic degeneration, hypertension, coarctation of the aorta, atherosclerotic disease,

other: pregnancy, surgery or catheterization

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5
Q

Dissection occurs when there’s a sudden tear to what layer? Followed by?

A

Intima. Followed by propagating dissecting hematoma.

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6
Q

Most important factors causing the propagation of the dissection?

A

Hypertension and the associated shear forces

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7
Q

How does an aortic dissection cause of organ ischemia or infarction?

A

Produces an intraluminal intimal flap which can occlude branch arteries

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8
Q

Complications from an aortic dissection?

A
  1. Organ ischemia
  2. Cardiac tamponade (leads to exsanguination)
  3. Acute aortic regurgitation
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9
Q

Anginal pain versus pain of dissection? (Course, alleviation)

A

Builds over minutes versus maximal at onset

Alleviating by nitrates versus not

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10
Q

Aortic dissection may cause which murmur?

A

Early diastolic murmur of aortic sufficiency (especially since most dissections begin close to aortic valve)

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11
Q

Blood pressure of most patients with dissection? Otherwise?

A

Hypertensive. If hypotensive, suspect aortic rupture, cardiac tamponade, dissection of subclavian artery

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12
Q

Plain chest film on patient with aortic dissection would likely show?

A

Widened superior mediastinum

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13
Q

Type A versus Type B dissection?

A

Involves the ascending aorta versus does not involve the ascending aorta

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14
Q

Horner syndrome results from?

A

Compression of the superior cervical ganglion

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15
Q

Superior vena cava syndrome results from?

A

Compression of the superior vena cava

16
Q

Hemopericardium, pericardial tamponade occurs from?

A

Thoracic dissection with retrograde flow to the pericardium

17
Q

Bowel ischemia hematuria occurs from a dissection involving?

A

The mesenteric arteries or renal arteries

18
Q

Hypertension or different blood pressures in the arms result from a dissection involving what?

A

Cardiac dissection involving brachiocephalic artery

19
Q

Hemiplegia results from a dissection involving what?

A

Carotid artery

20
Q

Most aortic dissection originate where?

A

A few centimeters above the aortic valve.

21
Q

Treatment for type A dissection? Mortality without accepted treatment?

A

Surgical therapy with replacement of a order and sometimes aortic valve. 90%.

22
Q

Type B dissections originate where?

A

In the aortic arch distal to the left subclavian artery

23
Q

Surgery for type B dissections when?

A

Surgery performed only for complications such as rupture or ischemia of the branch of the aorta

24
Aim of medical therapy?
Prevent propagation of the dissection by reducing mean arterial pressure and rate of rise of arterial pressure (Reduces shear forces)
25
Drugs given for type B dissections?
1. Intravenous vasodilators such as sodium nitroprusside (lowers BP) with beta blockers such as metoprolol (lowers shear forces) 2. Labetalol
26
Symptoms of Thoracic aortic aneurysm versus abdominal aortic aneurysm
Tearing pain radiating to the back versus asymptomatic with midline pulsatile mass
27
Abdominal aortic aneurysm can rupture where? Can lead to?
1. Anteriorly. Patient exsanguinates within minutes | 2. Posteriorly. Patient bleeds into retroperitoneum and presents with severe lower back or mid abdominal pain
28
Risk of rupture is related to size of aneurysm. Size to watch for?
Low risk of rupture with 5 cm aneurysm but 10 to 20% risk with 6 cm aneurysms
29
Elective repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms with what size aneurysm?
5.5 cm
30
Recommendations for surveillance of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Imaging at 3-12 month intervals depending on risk of rupture