Disorders of the Aorta Flashcards
Describe aortic aneurysm
outpouching or dilation of arterial wall
- occur more in men than women and incidence increases with age
- 3/4 occur in the abdominal aorta, 1/4 in thoracic aorta
- most abdominal occur below the renal arteries
Causes of aortic aneurysm
- degrenerative
- congenital
- mechanical (penetrating or blunt trauma)
- inflammatory
- infectious
Risk factors for aortic anurysm
Most 3 important risk factors are- age, male gender, &Tabacco use. Also: hypertension coronary artery disease family Hx high cholesterol lower extremity PAD carotid artery disease previous stroke obese, or excessive weight * white and native americans have higher risk than african americans, hispanics, and asians
aortic aneurysms are linked to what congenital abnormalities?
- bicuspid aortic valve
- coarcation of aorta
- turner syndrome
- autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
- specific collagen defects
- premature breakdown of vascular elastic tissue (Marfans, loey-dietz syndrome)
Define true-aneurysm
wall of artery forms the aneurysm with atleast one vessel layer is intact. Further divided into:
Fusiform- circumferential and relatively uniform in shape
Sacular- pouchlike with narrow neck connecting the bulge to one side of the arterial wall.
define false aneurysm (psuedoaneurysm)
is not an aneurysm, but a disruption of all arterial wall layers with bleeding that is contained by surrounding anatomical structures.
- results from trauma, infection, peripheral artery bypass graft surgery, or arterial leakage after removal of cannulae (femoral artery catheters, intra-aortic balloon pump devices)
Clinical Manifestations of Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA)
- often asymptomatic
- most common manifestation is deep diffuse chest pain that may extend to interscapular area.
- if in ascending aorta/ aortic arch then there may be angina due to decreased blood flow to coronary arteries and hoarseness of voice from pressure on laryngeal nerve.
- if pressing on superior vena cava there may be decreased venous return–> distended neck veins, edema in face and arms.
Clinical Manifestations of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
- often asymptomatic (often found during routine exams, xrays, CT)
- may mimic pain assoc with abdominal or back disorders (compression of nearby anatomic structures and nerves)
- may spontaneously embolize plaque–> causing blue toe syndrome (patchy mottling of the feet and toes in the presence of palpable pedal pulse)
Complications of Aortic Aneurysm- rupture into retroperitoneal space
if the rupture occurs into retroperitoneal space, bleeding may be tamponaded by surrounding anatomic structures which can prevent patient from bleeding out and may prevent them from dying. In this case, patient has severe back pain and may or may not have back/flank ecchymosis (Grey Turners sign).
Complications of Aortic Aneurysm- rupture into abdominal cavity/thoracic cavity
- more than 90% of patients die from massive hemorrhage
- if patient reaches hospital, they will be in hypovolemic shock with tachycardia, hypotension, pale clammy skin, decreased urine output, altered LOC, and abdominal tenderness.
X-rays done to diagnose Aortic Aneurysm look at….
- chest: demonstrate mediastinal silhouette and any abnormal widening of thoracic aorta
- abdomen: may show calcification within wall of AAA
when diagnosing an aortic aneurysm, do an ___ to rule out an _______ ________
do an ECG to rule out myocardial infarction
echocardiography for aortic aneurysm
assists in diagnosis of aortic valve insufficiency
ultrasonography for aortic aneurysm
- useful in screening for aneurysms
- monitors size of aneurysm
CT scan fom aortic aneurysm
- most accurate test to determine: anterior-to-posterior length cross sectional diameter presence of thrombus best type of surgical repair
