Step II Aortic dissection and aneurysm

[Sir Gillies]

Hi guys,

I'm getting some discordant info from UW and books and medscape.

Which are the number 1 risk factor that causes each.

Which is the number 1 change to prevent deterioration/improve prognosis of each.

I thought:
- Aortic dissection: Risk factor (Cholesterol), change (stop smoking)
- aneurysm: Risk factor (HTN), change (control BP)

Also, is there a difference for these in terms of aortic arch vs abdominal aneurysms?

Thanks.

P.S. exam is tomorrow so please help

 

[NeuroAP86]

Hi guys,

I'm getting some discordant info from UW and books and medscape.

Which are the number 1 risk factor that causes each.

Which is the number 1 change to prevent deterioration/improve prognosis of each.

I thought:
- Aortic dissection: Risk factor (Cholesterol), change (stop smoking)
- aneurysm: Risk factor (HTN), change (control BP)

Also, is there a difference for these in terms of aortic arch vs abdominal aneurysms?

Thanks.

P.S. exam is tomorrow so please help

Aortic Dissection - #1 risk factor is HTN [longstanding HTN is what eventually cause the dissection] Tx - HTN control with beta blockers

Aneurysm - #1 risk factor is Atherosclerosis Tx - can't really do much after dx except monitor it for <5cm and >5.5 = surgical intervention

Thoracic aneurysms are usually due to syphillis or marfans

 

[Sir Gillies]

Thanks a million!!!