week 1 - VASCULAR EMERGENCIES

Question 1

What is an Aortic Aneurysm?

Answer 1

a localized dilation and weakening of an arterial wall.

Most commonly occur in the ABDOMINAL or THORACIC aorta.

Question 2

Primary concerns of Aortic Aneurysm/Dissection/Rupture?

Answer 2

• ANEURYSM: risk of rupture or embolism.
• DISSECTION: disruption of blood flow, potential rupture.
• ## RUPTURE: massive hemorrhage.

Question 3

Common outcome of Aortic Aneurysm/Dissection/Rupture?

Answer 3

• ANEURYSM: gradual enlargement/ potential rupture.
• DISSECTION: Organ ischemia, extension of Dissection.
• RUPTURE: rapid death or severe morbidity.

Question 4

Urgency of Aortic Aneurysm/Dissection/Rupture?

Answer 4

• ANEURYSM: needs monitoring but no intervention, unless symptomatic or large.
• DISSECTION: Often emergent.
• RUPTURE: Immediate emergency.

Question 5

Aortic Aneurysm risk factors?

Answer 5

-Atherosclerosis
-hypertension
-trauma
-marfan syndrome
-hypotension
-smoking
-Family Hx
-Syphillis and other infections
-congenital defects

Question 6

What is Acute Limb Ischaemia (ALI)

Answer 6

Sudden decrease in limb perfusion causing a potential threat to limb viability.

• VASCULAR EMERGENCY - can result in loss of life or limb if not treated correctly.
• Ischaemia is considered ‘acute’ when symptoms have developed over 2 weeks or less.

Question 7

Acute Limb Ischaemia (ALI) Significance?

Answer 7

in the most severe cases, treatment within 6 hours is required to prevent permanent damage or amputation.