T3 - Vascular Disease Assessment Flashcards
What is an aortic aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in a section of the aorta caused by an underlying weakness in the aortic wall.
How are aortic dissections classified according to the DeBakey and Stanford systems?
The DeBakey system classifies aortic dissections into
- Type I (tear in the ascending aorta that propagates to the arch),
- Type II (tear confined to the ascending aorta), and
- Type III (tear in the descending aorta).
The Stanford system classifies them as
- Type A (tear in the ascending aorta) and
- Type B (tear in the descending aorta).
What is the treatment approach for ascending arch dissections?
Ascending arch dissections typically require emergent surgery.
How are descending arch dissections typically treated?
Descending arch dissections are rarely treated with urgent surgery.
What is the initial treatment for uncomplicated type B aortic dissections?
Uncomplicated type B dissections are often admitted for Blood pressure control, with short-acting beta-blockers being preferred, along with arterial line monitoring.
What symptoms indicate an impending rupture of an aortic dissection, and what is the treatment?
Symptoms of impending rupture include posterior pain, hypotension, and hemothorax, which indicate the need for surgical treatment.
What are the risk factors for aortic aneurysms and dissections?
Risk factors include hypertension (HTN), atherosclerosis, age, being male, smoking, and family history.
Which inherited disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms and dissections?
Inherited disorders associated with these conditions include Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, bicuspid aortic valve, and non-syndrome familial history.
What are some causes of aortic dissection?
Causes of dissection include blunt trauma, cocaine use, and iatrogenic causes (caused by medical treatment).
What iatrogenic causes are related to aortic dissections?
Iatrogenic causes are related to cardiac catheterization, aortic manipulation, cross-clamping, and arterial incision.
Who is more commonly affected by aortic dissections?
Aortic dissection is more common in men and pregnant women in their third trimester.
What are the three main arterial pathologies in vascular disease?
The three main arterial pathologies are aneurysms, dissections, and occlusions.
Which vessels are more likely to be affected by aneurysms and dissections?
The aorta and its branches are more likely to be affected by aneurysms and dissections.
Which arteries are more likely to be affected by occlusions?
Peripheral arteries are more likely to be affected by occlusions.
What is the definition of an aortic aneurysm?
An aortic aneurysm is defined as the dilation of all three layers of an artery, with a greater than 50% increase in diameter
What symptoms might be present with an aortic aneurysm?
Symptoms of an aortic aneurysm may be due to compression of surrounding structures.
How are aortic aneurysms initially treated?
Aortic aneurysms are initially treated medically.
When is surgery indicated for an aortic aneurysm?
Surgery is indicated for an aortic aneurysm when its diameter exceeds 5.5 cm.
What is the mortality rate associated with a ruptured aortic aneurysm?
The mortality rate for a ruptured aortic aneurysm is approximately 75%.
Types of aneurysm image:
What are the two types of aortic aneurysms?
The two types of aortic aneurysms are fusiform and saccular.
What characterizes a fusiform aneurysm?
A fusiform aneurysm is a uniform dilation along the entire circumference of the arterial wall.
What is a saccular aneurysm?
A saccular aneurysm is a berry-shaped bulge to one side of the artery.
What are the symptoms of an aortic aneurysm?
Symptoms can be asymptomatic or include pain due to the compression of surrounding structures.