Exam 1 - Cardiovascular Aneurysms

Question 1

what is an aneurysm

Answer 1

• hypertension weakens the walls of arteries and increases the development of bulges in arterial walls

Question 2

facts about aneurysms

Answer 2

• cause turbulent blood flow and are susceptible to rupture
• bruits may be heard

Question 3

what are the most common areas for an aneurysm

Answer 3

• aorta
• cerebral arteries

Question 4

risk factors for aneurysms

Answer 4

• atherosclerosis
• hypertension
• diseases of blood vessels
• trauma
• tobacco use
• age over 65 years

Question 5

common aneurysms

Answer 5

1. aortic aneurysm
   - abdominal aortic
   - thoraci
   - dissecting aortic
2. cerebral
3. false (pseudo)
4. saccular, berry, fusiform

Question 6

saccular aneurysm

Answer 6

• balloon shaped
• involves only one part of circumference
• wide neck

Question 7

fusiform aneurysm

Answer 7

• entire circumference of vessel
• gradual/progressive dilation
• potentially extensive involvement

Question 8

berry aneurysms

Answer 8

• subtype of saccular
• small neck
• located at bifurcation
• common location is Circle of Willis (base of neck)

Question 9

how do we diagnose a berry aneurysm

Answer 9

angiography

Question 10

treatment for berry aneurysm

Answer 10

• medical: control HTN and vasospasm
• surgical: drain, clipping, coiling

Question 11

false (pseudo) aneurysm

Answer 11

• localized dissection or tear in inner artery wall
• type of hematoma
• complication of vascular interventional procedures

Question 12

abdominal aortic aneurysm

Answer 12

• auscultation of a bruit over suggests the presence of an aneurysm
• if a pulsatile mass is evident in the abdomen during inspection or light palpation, deep palpation should not be preformed until the possibility of AAA is ruled out

Question 13

complication of aneurysm

Answer 13

rupture

Question 14

dissecting aneurysm

Answer 14

layers of the wall of the artery are separated and blood enters the region

Question 15

manifestations of aortic dissection

Answer 15

• sudden severe, tearing pain
• early: blood pressure is elevated
• late: BP may be unobtainable, syncope, hemiplegia, paralysis of lower extremities, cardiovascular collapse, shock, death

Question 16

aortic dissection

Answer 16

• surgical emergency (minutes count)
• emergency pharmacotherapy (beta blockers, nitrates)