Cardiology Flashcards
Define the diagnostic criteria for abdominal aortic aneurysm
Diameter of >3cm or >50% larger than normal size
Recall 3 groups of risk factors for AAA and give examples of each
CV: hyperlipidaemia, atherosclerosis
Inflammatory: takasayu’s arteritis
Connective tissue: Marfan’s, Ehlers-Danlos
Where is pain felt in a ruptured AAA?
Abdomen, back or loin
Describe the nature of pain in a rutured AAA
sudden + severe
Recall the symptoms of a ruptured AAA
Pain
Syncope
Shock
Recall the signs of AAA
3Bs: bulging, bruits, bruising
Pulsatile and laterally expansile mass
Abdominal bruit
Grey Turner’s sign
What is Grey Turner’s sign?
Flank bruising
What causes Grey-Turner’s sign in AAA?
Retroperitoneal damage
What scans can be used to detect AAA?
US can see aneurysm but not rupture
CT contrast can see rupture
Define aortic dissection
Tear in aortic intima –> blood surge into aortic wall
What is the difference between types A and B aortic dissection?
Type A = in ascending aorta
Type B = in descending aorta
How can surrounding arteries be damaged in aortic dissection?
Expansion of the false lumen can obstruct the subclavian/ coeliac/ carotid or renal arteries
What is the main risk factor for aortic dissection?
HTN
Between which 2 layers of the aortic wall does a false lumen develop in aortic dissection?
Inner and outer tunica media
What is the main symptom of aortic dissection?
Tearing chest pain that may radiate to the back between the shoulder blades
If the carotid artery is obstructed by an aortic aneurysm, what would the symptoms be?
Hemiparesis
Dysphasia
Loss of consciousness
Why might an aortic dissection present with abdominal pain?
Obstruction of coeliac artery
Recall the signs of aortic dissection
Wide Pulse Pressure
Aortic Regurgitation
Back Murmur
Blood pressure difference between arms
What might hypotension with aortic dissection indicate?
Cardiac tamponade
What form of specialised imaging could be used in aortic dissection as well as CXR and CT?
Cardiac catheterisation and aortography
Define aortic regurgitation
Reflux from aorta into left ventricle during diastole
Recall the 2 groups of causes of aortic regurgitation and give examples of both
- Valve abnormality: infective endocarditis, trauma
2. Aortic root dilatation: HTN, aortitis, arthritides, aortic dissection
What arthritides are present in the case of aortic regurgitation?
Aortic valve incompetence due to reumatoid arthritis
Which 2 measures of cardiac output are changed by aortic regurgitation and why is this?
End Diastolic Volume (EDV) and Stroke Volume (SV) are elevated due to LV dilatation