Pathology of Stroke

Question 1

What is the distinguishing feature of traumatic hemorrhages (as opposed to non-traumatic hemorrhages)?

Answer 1

Traumatic hemorrhages – by definition –involve superficial structures, such as the meninges and the skull.

Question 2

Nontraumatic hemorrhages involve the _________ portion of the brain.

Answer 2

parenchymal (deep)

Question 3

What is the most common etiology of nontraumatic hemorrhages?

Answer 3

Chronic hypertension

Question 4

The big problem with bleeding into a ventricle is ___________.

Answer 4

clots can occlude the foramina necessary to maintain CSF flow; CSF is always produced, so hydrocephalus develops

Question 5

Define nidus.

Answer 5

(n.) the site of origin; a spot on which things get accumulated

Question 6

What two things make up the lentiform nucleus?

Answer 6

The globus pallidus and the putamen

Question 7

Lacunar lesions are less than ___________ (by definition).

Answer 7

1 cm

Question 8

Tumors can also cause ___________.

Answer 8

nontraumatic hemorrhages

Question 9

Herniations across the midline are called _____________.

Answer 9

trans-falcine herniations

Question 10

Define obtunded.

Answer 10

(adj.) mentally dulled

Question 11

After the anterior communicating artery, in what location are berry aneurysms most commonly seen?

Answer 11

The first branching of the middle cerebral

Question 12

Describe the process of hemorrhagic infarction.

Answer 12

An acute ischemic event occurs (i.e., artery gets blocked) and the ischemia leads to weakening of the artery wall distal to the occlusion. When the area reperfuses, blood can rupture the wall and leak into the parenchyma.

Question 13

What is clinically significant about the lacunar stroke distinction?

Answer 13

Lacunar strokes involve vessels too small to catheterize.