Peripheral Vascular Disease Flashcards
what is an aneurysm
dilatation of a vessel by more than 50% of its normal (AP) diameter
what is the normal aortic diamter
1-2 cm
describe a true aneurysm
all three layers of vessels are in tact, blood is contained (usually abdominal aortic)
describe a false aneurysm
when there is a breach in vessel wall and surrounding structures are acting as vessel- usually caused by trauma
name three morphology of aneurysms
saccular, fusiform, mycotic
describe what gives rise to mycotic aneurysms
secondary to and infectious process that weakens the artery wall, involves all three layers of the artery
which aneurysms have highest risk of rupturing
any can but saccular and mycotic more than fusiform
does atherosclerosis cause aortic aneurysms
no
what causes aortic aneurysms
medial degeneration
- middle layer of vessel wall
- imbalance between elastin and collagen in aortic wall
- this leads to weakening of the wall
- which leads to aneurysmal dilatation
- increase in aortic wall stress
- progressive dilatation
related to age, gender, smoking, hypertension
a quarter of AAA patients will have what
popliteal aneurysm
how do asymptomatic aneurysm present (vast majority)
no symptoms, identified om imaging/ surveillance
how do symptomatic aneurysm present
- pain (renal colic)
- trashing- thrombus in aneurysm due to turbulent blood flow breaks off and enters peripheral circulation, damaging distal arteries
- rupture
how does a ruptured AAA present
sudden onset epigastric/ central pain
-may radiate through to back
-may mimic colic
collapse
what is found on examination of a ruptured AAA
may look well
hypo/hypertensive due to pain
pulsatile, expansile mass +/- tender
pulse transmitted from mass to flanks
hard to palpate due to obesity
describe the small amount of ruptured AAAs that make it to hospital
retroperitoneal usually, rupture contained by retroperitonium- tamponades itself
how severe are free intra-peritoneal rupture
rapidly fatal
when should intervention be taken for an AAA
balance fitness of patient and risk of rupture
if symptomatic or when asymptomatic and;
-size > 5.5cm AP diameter
or
-expanding >0.5cm/6 months or >1cm/ year
what does duplex ultrasound shows, its pros and cons
no radiation or contrast
only shows AP diameter and involvement of (iliac) arteries
describe a CT scan- aterial phase
IV contrast in aterial system shows aneurysm morphology, shape, size, iliac involvement. AND only one to show if ruptured
allows management planning
describe open repair of an aneurysm
laparotomoy to access it
clamp aorta and iliacs (for bloodless field)
dacron (polyester) graft (tube and bifurcated) anatstomosed onto artery
essential to close aneurysm sac over graft as bowl will stick to it
describe Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
exclude the aneurysm from within the vessel, graft inserted via peripheral artery, guided via x-ray. seal needed between tops of stent graft and vessel to prevent blood escaping into the sac
what is acute limb threat
- acute limb ischaemia
- acute on chronic limb ischaemia
- diabetic foot sepsis
what is acute limb ischaemia
sudden loss of blood supply to a limb
what causes acute limb ischaemia
occlusion of native artery or bypass graft
what can cause a sudden occulsion of an artery
Embolism Atheroembolism- narrowing, bits break off Arterial dissection Trauma e.g. dislocating knee Extrinsic compression- tumours