Lecture 3 - Arterial Pathologies Flashcards
define ‘aneurysm’
abnormal stretching/dilation in the wall of an artery, vein or heart with a diameter that is at least 50% greater than normal
list 5 causes of aneurysms
atherosclerosis trauma congenital vascular disease (Marfan's) infection (bacterial, syphilis) familial factors (genetics)
list 3 types of ‘true’ aneurysms
saccular - saclike budging on one side
fusiform - elongated, spindle-shaped dilation
dissecting - splitting or dissection of arterial wall via blood entering through a tear of inner lining or interstitial hemorrhage
when can a ‘false’ aneurysm occur?
when the wall of the bv is ruptured, blood escapes into surrounding tissue forming a clot
where is the most common site for an aneurysm?
aorta
are thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms more common?
abdominal are 4 times more often (less life threatening)
what symptoms can a thoracic aneurysm present with? (rare)
chest and/or upper back pain
coughing up blood
difficulty swallowing
wheezing
abdominal aneurysms are more likely to cause symptoms that….
pulsate in abdomen
upper abdominal pain and/or sever lower back pain
list 4 treatment options for an aneurysm
clipping (metallic clip along neck)
occlusion and bypass
endovascular embolization
stent graft
what 2 organs are most affected by PVD?
kidneys
intestines
what are 4 underlying pathological conditions that PVD stems from?
arterial occlusive disorders
inflammatory disorders (vasculitis)
venous disorders
vasomotor disorders
define ‘arterial occlusive disorder’
a very common and slow process where arteries throughout the body become progressively narrowed and eventually completely blocked - caused by atherosclerosis
what is the most common form of PVD?
intermittent claudication
damage to blood vessels can result in….
end-stage organ damage
vasculitis can cause what 2 things…
narrowing/occlusion of lumen
aneurysm formation
define ‘polyarteritis nodosa’
multiple sites of inflammatory and destructive lesions in the arterial system where the lesions form small masses = nodes in artery (serious bv disease) caused by autoimmune disease
what do neutrophils do to vessels in polyarteritis nodosa?
destroy the vessel wall causing necrosis as a result of an autoimmune disorder that is related to the deposit of immune complexes
arteritis/giant cell arteritis commonly involves what arteries?
head and neck (aka temporal or cranial arteritis) (unknown cause)
what symptoms does arteritis/GCA present with?
sudden symptoms are related to the area supplied by affected artery but includes: persistent, severe head pain (temporal), vision loss (sudden, permanent loss in one eye)/double vision, jaw pain, scalp tenderness, fever
how do you treat GCA?
corticosteroids
what is Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans)?
inflammation and swelling of bv’s that affects peripheral arteries and veins - primarily in extremities with an unknown cause (men younger than 40 and heavy smokers)
with Buerger’s disease what is inflammation accompanied by?
thrombus formation and vasospasm occluding and destroying the bv = gangrene
what are 3 signs and symptoms of arterial insufficiency?
intermittent claudication
redness of distal limb - elevated foot increases pallor
gangrene
what is the difference in symptom experience with arterial (PAD) and venous insufficiency (PVD)?
PAD - symptoms worsen with activity and improve with rest
PVD - pain worsens with standing and improves with leg elevation and activity
