Clin Med: Cardio IV Flashcards
Describe is AAA?
abnormal full-thickness dilation of the AA w/ diameter >3cm or over 50% of normal vessel diameter
What is normal aortic diameter?
varies based on age, sex, body size, BP
infrarenal aortic diameter of 2.7cm represent 95% of men w/ women have slightly smaller diameters
AAA: RFs
- *smoking
- *male sex
- *family history of AAA
- *older age
- Hx of aortic aneurysm
- HTN
- hyperlipidemia
- Genetic conditions (Marfan Syndrome)
AAA: Pathophys
- Abnormal structural PROs of the aorta, elastin & collagen (age)
- Inflammation & immune responses (smoking)
- Biomechanical wall stress (hypertension)
- Atherosclerosis causes weakening of the aortic wall w/ loss of elastic recoil
Describe prevalence and area of AAA
80% of AA occur b/t the renal arteries & the aortic bifurcation
AAA: Screening
1-time screening for AAA w/ US in men 65-75yo who have ever smoked
If AAA found on screening, FU depends on size:
- > 2.5 cm but < 3.0 cm, rescreening after 10yrs
- For AAA 3.0 to 3.9 cm, imaging at 3yr intervals
- For AAA 4.0 to 4.9 cm, imaging at 12mo intervals
- For AAA 5.0 to 5.4 cm, imaging at 6mo intervals
AAA: S/S
- usually asymptomatic
- Symptomatic w/o dissection/rupture
—> chronic abdominal pain or discomfort
—> low back pain
—> flank pain (may radiate to back, groin, scrotum, legs) - W/ dissection/rupture
—> sudden onset abdominal, back, flank pain w/ syncope or shock
AAA: PE
80% of 5-cm infrarenal aneurysms & palpable on exam
—> Pulsatile mass
First line imaging for AAA?
US
Second line imaging for AAA?
CT w/ IV contrast
- better operative planning
How are AAA usually discovered?
incidentally by physical exam, abdominal US, CT or other imaging
AAA: Tx
- risk reduction (X smoking, PA)
- elective repair for AAA >5.5cm or rapid expansion or symptomatic
- endovascular vs open repair
What constitutes as rapid expansion?
growing 0.5 cm in 6 months
When do we do endovascular repair?
preferred in patients who are at a high level of perioperative risk.
When do we do open surgical repair?
preferred for younger patients who have a low or average perioperative risk.
What can rupture?
an aneurysm or dissection
AAA rupture mortality rate
90%
AAA rupture classic triad?
- abdominal pain
- hypotension,
- pulsatile mass
What is a thoracic aneurysm?
a permanent dilation of a segment of the thoracic aorta to ≥ 150% normal diameter usuallycaused by atherosclerosis
What % of AA are thoracic?
10%
Is screening recommended for thoracic aneurysms?
NO
Which genetic syndromes are associated w/ thoracic AA or dissection?
- Marfan syndrome
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)
- Turner syndrome
- autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
TAA: S/S
- Usually asymptomatic until dissection or rupture
- Pressure on the trachea, esophagus, or SVC can result in the following s/s: dyspnea, stridor, or brassy cough; dysphagia; and edema in the neck & arms as well as distended neck veins