Vascular Disease Assessment Flashcards
What are the 3 main arterial pathologies in vascular disease?
Aneurysms, dissections, occlusions
Which arteries are more likely to be affected by aneurysms and dissections?
Aorta & its branches
Which arteries are more likely to be affected by occlusions?
Peripheral arteries
What is aortic aneurysm characterized by?
Dilation of all 3 layers of artery
At what diameter is surgery indicated for aortic aneurysm?
> 5.5 cm
What is the mortality rate associated with aortic aneurysm rupture?
75%
What are the 2 types of aortic aneurysms?
Fusiform, Saccular
How does a fusiform aneurysm differ from a saccular aneurysm?
Uniform vs. berry-shaped bulge
What are some diagnostic tools for aortic aneurysms?
CT, MRI, CXR, Angiogram, Echocardiogram
In suspected dissection, what is the fastest/safest measure for diagnosing aneurysm?
Doppler echocardiogram
When is surgery indicated for aortic aneurysms?
> 5.5 cm, growth >10mm/yr, family history of dissection
What are the key aspects of medical management for aortic aneurysms?
Manage BP, cholesterol, stop smoking
What should be avoided in the treatment of aortic aneurysms?
Strenuous exercise, stimulants, stress
What has become a mainstay over open surgery for aortic aneurysms?
Endovascular stent repair
How should the expansion rate of aortic aneurysms be managed?
Regular monitoring for progression
What is aortic dissection?
Tear in intimal layer of the vessel, causing blood to enter the medial layer
How is ascending aortic dissection characterized?
Catastrophic, requires emergent surgical intervention
What are the mortality rates associated with aortic dissection?
Overall mortality 27-58%
What diagnostic tools are used for stable aortic dissection?
CT, CXR, MRI, Angiogram
How does mortality increase with aortic dissection?
Increases by 1-2% per hr
