Pathogenesis

Question 1

Usually an interplay b/w…

Answer 1

• -atherosclerosis,
• -aging,
• -inflammation, and
• -genetically determined degeneration of tunica media

Question 2

matrix metalloproteinases

Answer 2

Involved in normal remodeling of artery

capable of degrading:

• -elastic fibers
• -collagen
• -almost all components of ECM

Generally increased in aneurysms (while tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases are decreased)

Question 3

spillover inflammation from atherosclerosis…

Answer 3

injures and weakens tunica media because of increased metalloproteinases and decreased inhibitors

Question 4

Sometimes, inflammation not clearly related to atherosclerosis…

Answer 4

damages and weakens the aorta

Question 5

Also associated with formation of aneurysms and weakening of tunica media

Answer 5

Elevated blood levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 (markers of inflammation)

genetic defects in fibrillin or collagen (Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome)

Genetic defects in matrix fibers