Aortic Dz Flashcards
What makes up the aortic root?
1) aortic annulus
2) sinuses of Valsalva
3) sinotubular junction
From left to right what is the order of the arteries, extending off the aortic arch?
- brachial cephalic artery
- left common carotid artery
- left subclavian artery
Where is the aortic isthmus found?
Directly after the left subclavian artery
What are the normal aortic root measurements for men?
3.3 to 4.1 cm
Measurements include ranges: 3.3 to 3.7, 3.4 to 3.8, 3.5 to 3.9, 3.6 to 4.0, 3.7 to 4.1 cm.
What are the normal aortic root measurements for women?
2.9 to 3.7 cm
Measurements include ranges: 2.9 to 3.3, 3.0 to 3.4, 3.1 to 3.5, 3.2 to 3.6, 3.3 to 3.7 cm.
What are the normal values for the sinuses of Valsalva in women and men?
3.0 ± 0.3 cm
Normal values for men are 3.4 ± 0.3 cm.
What are the normal values for the ascending aorta in men and women?
3.0 ± 0.3 cm
Normal values for women are 2.7 ± 0.4 cm.
What is the definition of an aortic aneurysm?
Localized, abnormal dilation greater than 1.5 times the normal diameter
Types include aortic aneurysm and sinus of valsalva aneurysm.
What are the two types of aortic aneurysms?
- Fusiform
- Sacular
Fusiform is uniform dilation, while sacular has a pouch with a small neck.
What are some genetic causes of thoracic aortic aneurysm?
- Marfan syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Noonan syndrome
What congenital condition can lead to aortic aneurysm?
Bicuspid aortic valve
What diseases can cause aortic aneurysm?
- Atherosclerosis
- Hypertension
- Trauma
- Aortic dissection
- Inflammatory diseases (e.g., Kawasaki’s, Takayasu)
What are some symptoms that may indicate an aortic aneurysm?
- Back pain
- Chest pain/angina
- Dyspnea
These symptoms may relate to aortic dissection or atherosclerosis.
What is a common medical treatment for aortic aneurysms?
Anti-hypertensive drugs and Echo monitoring
What surgical treatment is necessary for symptomatic patients with an aortic aneurysm?
Resection with graft replacement
When is surgery necessary for asymptomatic patients with an aortic aneurysm?
If the aneurysm is greater than 5.5 cm
What is the systematic approach used by sonographers to evaluate aortic aneurysms?
Determine localized abnormal dilation and measure perpendicular to the aorta
What is an aortic dissection?
Tear in the aortic intima allowing blood to enter the aortic wall
What are the types of aortic dissection?
- Type A: ascending, arch, and descending aorta
- Type B: descending thoracic aorta
What are common causes of aortic dissection?
- Hypertension
- Atherosclerosis
- Genetic/congenital factors
- Aortic coarctation
- Pregnancy
- Cocaine use
What are complications of aortic dissection?
- Occlusion of major systemic arteries
- Heart failure
- Cardiogenic shock
- Aortic regurgitation
What is the difference between true lumen and false lumen?
- True lumen: smaller, regular shape, not filled with thrombus
- False lumen: larger, crescent shape, may be filled with thrombus
What does color/PW Doppler assess in aortic dissection?
Forward flow in true lumen and reversal in false lumen
How is the severity of aortic dissection determined?
Presence and severity of aortic regurgitation and flow reversal in aorta
