Carotid Artery Disease Flashcards
CAD is a buildup of what in the carotid arteries?
atherosclerotic plaques
what artery does the right CCA arise from?
right brachiocephalic trunk (splits into RCC and right subclavian)
what artery does the left CCA arise from?
arch of the aorta
name the arteries coming off the arch of the aorta from right to left
brachiocephalic trunk
LCCA
right subclavian artery
the CCAs split at what spinal level?
C4
splits into 4 diff arteries
the carotid sinus exists at what spinal level?
carotid sinus
the internal artery is most posterior T/F
T
a fatty streak in the artery forms a ___ core and ___ cap
lipid
fibrous
some patients with CAD are asymptomatic - why is this?
may have unilateral disease. collateral supply from the other carotid + circle of willis will compensate.
main cause of CAD?
atherosclerosis
a young patient presents with CAD - what 2 causes should you consider?
carotid dissection
connective tissue disease
non-atheromatous hypertrophy of the vessel wall that eventually causes stenosis and focal neuro deficit….
fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD)
vasculitis can cause CAD - why is this?
can cause stenosis of blood vessels
who gets FMD?
women <50
Sx of CAD?
- STROKE Sx eg face drooping, weakness, speech issues, transient visual loss)
- headache
a TIA becomes a stroke after __ hours
24
bloods Ix CAD
FBC U+Es clotting screen lipid profile - cholesterol? glucose - diabetes PMH
signs on examination of CAD?
carotid bruit
stroke signs eg loss of movement/speech/vision
gold standard Ix for suspected stroke in CAD
urgent NON-CONTRAST CT head
Ix for CAD
bloods
- urgent CT head NC
- duplex USS
- CT angio
why is duplex USS done in CAD?
to confirm carotid diameter %
why is CT angio done in CAD?
to assess carotid arteries in more depth to confirm the diagnosis (NB CAD cannot be diagnosed without an USS and CTA)
carotid diameter >__% puts you at high risk of stroke
50
immediate Mx symptomatic CAD?
high flow O2
optimise glucose levels
swallow screen
