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Questions and Answers
What is the most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm?
What is the most common cause of thoracic aortic aneurysm?
What is the typical age range for thoracic aortic aneurysm?
What is the typical age range for thoracic aortic aneurysm?
What is the most common symptom of thoracic aortic aneurysm?
What is the most common symptom of thoracic aortic aneurysm?
What is the typical location of aneurysm rupture?
What is the typical location of aneurysm rupture?
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What is the primary method of diagnosing thoracic aortic aneurysm?
What is the primary method of diagnosing thoracic aortic aneurysm?
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What is the primary goal of surgery for dissecting aneurysms?
What is the primary goal of surgery for dissecting aneurysms?
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What is the most common form of aneurysm?
What is the most common form of aneurysm?
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What is the effect of aneurysm on surrounding intrathoracic structures?
What is the effect of aneurysm on surrounding intrathoracic structures?
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What is the most common cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
What is the most common cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
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What is the typical treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysm?
What is the typical treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysm?
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What is the effect of propranolol on pulsatile flow?
What is the effect of propranolol on pulsatile flow?
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What is the typical location of abdominal aortic aneurysms?
What is the typical location of abdominal aortic aneurysms?
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What is a common symptom of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
What is a common symptom of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
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What is a risk factor for aneurysm development?
What is a risk factor for aneurysm development?
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What is the eventual outcome of untreated abdominal aortic aneurysm?
What is the eventual outcome of untreated abdominal aortic aneurysm?
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What is the effect of controlling blood pressure in patients with dissecting aneurysms?
What is the effect of controlling blood pressure in patients with dissecting aneurysms?
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Study Notes
Aortic Aneurysm
- An aneurysm is a localized sac or dilation formed at a weak point in the wall of the aorta.
- Aneurysms can be classified by their shape or form, with the most common forms being saccular or fusiform.
- Saccular aneurysm projects from one side of the vessel only, while a fusiform aneurysm develops when an entire arterial segment becomes dilated.
- Mycotic aneurysms are very small aneurysms due to localized infection.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
- Approximately 85% of thoracic aortic aneurysms are caused by atherosclerosis.
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms occur most frequently in men between 40 and 70 years old.
- The thoracic area is the most common site for a dissecting aneurysm.
- About one-third of patients with thoracic aneurysms die of rupture.
Clinical Manifestations of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
- Symptoms are variable and depend on how rapidly the aneurysm dilates and how it affects surrounding intrathoracic structures.
- Pain is the most prominent symptom, usually constant and boring, but may occur only when the person is supine.
- Some patients are asymptomatic.
Assessment and Diagnostic Findings of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
- Diagnosis is principally made by chest x-ray, transesophageal echocardiography, and CT.
- Compression of large veins in the chest can lead to dilation of superficial veins, edema, and cyanosis.
- Pressure against the cervical sympathetic chain can result in unequal pupils.
Medical Management of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
- In most cases, an aneurysm is treated by surgical repair.
- General measures such as controlling blood pressure and correcting risk factors may be helpful.
- Controlling blood pressure is important in patients with dissecting aneurysms.
- Medications such as hydralazine, esmolol, atenolol, and timolol are used to control blood pressure.
- Propranolol is used to reduce cardiac contractility.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- The most common cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm is atherosclerosis.
- The condition is more common among Caucasians, affects men four times more often than women, and is most prevalent in elderly patients.
- Most abdominal aortic aneurysms occur below the renal arteries (infrarenal aneurysms).
- Untreated, the eventual outcome may be rupture.
Pathophysiology of Aortic Aneurysm
- All aneurysms involve a damaged media layer of the vessel.
- Risk factors include genetic predisposition, smoking, and hypertension.
- More than one-half of patients with aneurysms have hypertension.
Clinical Manifestations of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- About two-fifths of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms have symptoms, while the remainder do not.
- Symptoms include feeling a pulsating mass in the abdomen, or feeling an abdominal mass or abdominal throbbing.
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Description
Learn about the different types of aortic aneurysms, including saccular, fusiform, and mycotic aneurysms, and their characteristics.
