Diseases of the Aorta Flashcards
Congenital syndrome characterized by a connective tissue disorder
Marfan Syndrome
List 3 physical features associated with Marfan’s Syndrome.
- Tall or normal stature
- Thin body habitus
- Long extremities
List 3 clinical presentations associated with Marfan’s Snydrome.
What are the clinical presentation of Marfan syndrome?
- Asymptomatic*
- Murmur may be present*
- Palpitations or tachycardia*
Marfan syndrome: sonographic features
List 4 Echocardiographic features of Marfan’s Syndrome.
- ascending aorta dilatation
- MVP
- annuloaortic ectasia *Annuloaortic ectasia is a dilatation or an enlargement of the ascending aorta, the aortic annulus and/or a loss of function of the aorta.
- dissection of aorta
- AR/MR
- rupture of sinus of Valsalva/aneurysm
TEE offers excellent visualization of dilated aortic root.
T or F ?
T
TEE offers excellent visualization of dilated aortic root
What are the vessel layers of aorta?
intima
media
adventitia
Which vessel layer is affected by DM?
media
Aortic Aneurysm
List at least 4 etiologies of aortic aneurysms.
- atherosclerosis
- media degeneration (i.e. annuloaortic ectasia; Marfan syndrome; BAV)
- trauma
- mycotic *A mycotic aneurysm is an infection of vessel wall which can be bacterial, fungal, or viral in origin; they are a rare but severe
- noninfectious aortitis
- aortic dissection with dilatation of persistent false lumen
Aortic Aneurysm
clinical presentation:
- signs and symptoms?
- physical findings?
- auscultatory findings?
- asymptomatic, CP, back pain, hoarseness, cough
- abdominal bruit
- AR murmur (early diastolic murmur)
Classification of dissection based on the site of the intimal tear
Stanford system
Aortic Dissection Classifications
all dissections which involve the ascending aorta (DeBakey _______)
Stanford Type A/proximal
types I and II
Aortic Dissection Classifications
all dissections that do not include the ascending aorta (DeBakey ____
Stanford Type B (distal)
Debakey type III
This classification of aneurysm is characterized by a uniform dilatation of the entire circumference of the vessel. __________?___________
fusiform
This classification of aneurysm is characterized by a weakening in the vessel wall at one point which results in an outpouching with a narrow neck. ______?______.
saccular
Describe in 30 words or less the main goals for imaging when documenting aortic aneurysms.
- Confirm or exclude diagnosis*
- Measurement of diameter and length*
- Determine involvement of aortic valve or arch vessels*
- Differentiate from aortic dissection*
- Detect mural thrombus*
List 4 echocardiographic feautres of an aortic dissection:
- Dilated aortic root
- Normal aortic valve motion may be present
- AR** may be coexistent in ascending type with evidence of **diastolic MV flutter
- Large anechoic space posterior to LA** may be present with **descending type
- Entire thoracic aorta can be viewed using parasternal, suprasternal, subcostal, and occasionally the apical two-chamber view
- Allows localization of ascending aneurysm with high accuracy; descending type difficult to visualize. High right parasternal view can be utilized or apical two-chamber with slight posterior angulation and increased depth.
- May be useful for dissection with identification of an intimal flap
- Flow reversal may be seen in false lumen if dissection occurs.
TEE is superior to TTE in recognition of thoracic or descending aorta.
T or F ?
T
______________________ is a tear in the intima through which a column of blood enters the aortic wall, destroying the media and stripping the intima from the adventitia in a longitudinal fashion.
aortic dissection
Aortic Dissection:
Etiology (3)
- congenital
- hypertension
- trauma
List at least 4 etiologies of aortic aneurysms.
Atherosclerosis
Medial degeneration (Annuloaortic ectasia; Marfan syndrome; Associated with bicuspid aortic valve; other heritable disorders)
Trauma
Mycotic - infection with or disease caused by a fungus
- Noninfectious Aortitis*
- Aortic dissection with dilatation of persistent false lumen*
An abdominal bruit is a physical finding of an aortic aneurysm.
T or F ?
T
Aortic Aneurysm
complications (3)
AR
thromboembolism
compression of adjacent structure (trachea/esophagus)
Aortic Aneurysm
management (2)
medical: antihypertensive medications; follow-up to evaluate changes, treatment for atherosclerosis, CAD, Penicillin for syphilis patients
surgical: Time of operation controversial; Depends on many factors (cause, size, rate of change); Endovascular stenting; Serial imaging; Aortic valve repair/replacement if damaged
A patient with an aortic aneurysm may present with these signs/symptoms to the ED except:
- hematuria
- chest or back pain
- hoarseness
- cough
hematuria
aortic aneurysm locations:
ascending
arch
descending
thoracoabdominal
Aortic Dissection Clinical Presentation
signs & symptoms (2)
- Chest pain, typically radiating to the back, sudden onset, unremitting
- Shock/hypotension