Pathology of Vascular Disorders Flashcards
Syphilitic aneurysms are a rare complication of tertiary syphilis. What is the pathogenesis of the disorder?
Infection of the vasa vasorum (blood supply for the aortic wall) by T. pallidum
What symptoms generally present due to a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Respiratory difficulties, difficulty swallowing, cough
What are the risk factors for a thoracic aortic aneurysm?
Hypertension or Marfan’s syndrome (these are the same risk factors for a dissecting aneurysm)
Berry aneurysms are often associated with what disorder?
Polycystic kidney disease
What is Homan sign?
Pain with forced dorsiflexion - associated with deep vein thrombosis
What is stasis dermatitis?
An area of darkened and firm skin due to ischemia caused by varicose veins
What is the most serious complication of deep vein thrombosis?
Pulmonary embolism
What is the diagnosis?
Syphilitic aortitis (“tree bark” apperance)
Recurring nose-bleeds (epistaxis) is most associated with what peripheral vascular disorder?
Osler-Weber-Rendu Disease
What is a common location for a berry aneurysm?
Circle of Willis - often at the junction of the communicating branches with the ACA (lacks elastic lamina and smooth muscle)
Inferior vena cava syndrome causes lower extremity edema and distended abdominal veins. What neoplasms are most likely to invade the IVC?
Renal and hepatic carcinomas
What are major risk factors for peripheral vascular disease?
Cigarettes, hyperlipemia, diabetes, hypertension
What symptoms often present with a ruptured abdominal aorta aneurysm?
Sudden, severe back pain, hypotension, pulsatile mass
What is the cause of varicose veins?
Loss of vein wall support and valve incompetence with standing
What is the cause of Osler-Weber-Rendu disease?
Malformed dilated capillaries and veins
What is the most common cause of peripheral vascular disease?
Atherosclerosis
The risk of abdominal aorta aneurysm rupture increases significantly after what size?
> 5cm
What symptoms often present clinically with peripheral vascular disease?
Claudication that improves with rest, weak pulses in the extremities, gangrene, poor wound healing, cold extremities
What is the most common cause of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Atherosclerosis
What is the most important risk factor for development of a deep vein thrombosis?
Prolonged immobilization
What are the most common clinical findings associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Abdominal bruit or pulsatile mass
A saddle embolism occurs when an embolus straddles the pulmonary artery bifurcation. What symptoms may present?
Acute right-sided heart failure, sudden jugular distension, severe dyspnea
