Aortic dissection and aneurysm Flashcards
What is an aneurysm?
This is a permanent, localised dilatation of an artery of more than 50% of the local arterial diameter (>3cm)
What are the 2 types of aneurysm?
True aneurysm
False aneurysm
What is meant by a true aneurysm?
A dilatation of an artery in which all 3 layers of the blood vessel wall are involved
What is meant by a false aneurysm?
A dilatation of an artery in which there is a defect in the wall, meaning that only 1 layer is involved
What usually forms in the extra luminal space of an aneurysm?
A platelet rich clot, caused by collagen exposure
What is the suspected pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms?
It is thought to be caused by abnormal regulation of elastin and collagen proteins in the aortic wall by enzymatic agents
What are some risk factors of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Age (Risk increases with age)
Sex (M:F = 6:1)
Genetics
Smoking
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Which region of the aorta is most susceptible to aneurysm and why?
The abdominal aorta below the T2 vertebrae, as this section loses its vasa vasorum in its tunica adventitia, and so is more susceptible to ischaemia
What percentage of AAAs are asymptomatic until rupture?
75%
What are some possible symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Epigastric pain, radiating to the back
Hiccups due to obstruction of phrenic nerve
Dysphagia due to obstruction of oesophagus
What are some clinical signs of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Trash feet - Throwing off clots
Tachycardia
Hypotension
Collapse
What are the 2 forms of investigation in abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Echocardiography (USS)
CT scan
What are some pharmacological managements used in aortic aneurysm, to reduce underlying causes?
Anti-hypertensives
Smoking cessation
Lipid lowering medication
When is surgical intervention indicated in AAA?
When an asymptomatic aneurysm reaches an AP (Anterior-Posterior) diameter of >5.5cm
If the AAA is symptomatic
What is meant by trash feet?
This is the dusky discolouration of the toes, caused by micro emboli moving down into the feet due to breaking apart of the clots in an aneurysm
What are the 2 forms of surgery indicated for AAA?
EVAR
Open repair
What is meant by EVAR in AAA?
Endovascular Aneurysm repair, in which a stent is inserted via percutaneous catheterisation, allowing a tube to be placed through the aneurysm, preventing the risk of rupture
This is X-ray guided