thoracic aortic aneurysm

Question 1

what

Answer 1

dilatation of thoracic aorta

Question 2

most commonly affected area

Answer 2

asceding aorta

Question 3

normal thoracic aorta diameter

Answer 3

< 4.5cm for ascending

< 3.5cm for descending

Question 4

false aneurysms

Answer 4

inner two layers (intima and media) rupture and there is dilation of vessel

blood contained within outer layer

Question 5

true aneurysm

Answer 5

3 layers of aorta are intact but dilated

Question 6

aortic dissection

Answer 6

blood enters between intima and media layers

Question 7

risk factors

Answer 7

male 
age 
smoking 
htn 
FHx
CVS disease
connective tissue disorder

Question 8

presentation

Answer 8

incidental finding
chest/back pain
trachea compression: cough, SOB, stridor
oesophageal compression: dysphagia
rec. laryngeal N compression: hoarse voice

Question 9

Ix

Answer 9

ECHO

CT/MRI angiogram

Question 10

reducing risk of progression

Answer 10

stop smoking
healthy diet + exercise
optimise co-morbidities

Question 11

Mx optoins

Answer 11

surveillance
TEVAR
open surgery

Question 12

complications

Answer 12

aortic dissection
ruptured aneurysm
aortic regurg