thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

Question 1

what is a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

Answer 1

aneurysms that coexist in both segments of the aorta (thoracic and abdominal)

Question 2

describe the pathophysiology of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

Answer 2

blood enters through the intima and splits the media

type A - involves ascending aorta (sometimes also descending), associated with marfans

type B - affects descending aorta only, occurs secondary to atherosclerosis ad syphilis

Question 3

what is the clinical presentation of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

Answer 3

sudden tearing chest pain radiating to the back

Question 4

investigations for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

Answer 4

imaging - CT or MRI

Question 5

management for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm

Answer 5

surgical - operative repair, stenting, EVAR