aortic

diseases
Charlene Dorothy S Tabigne

Overview
Aortitis
Aortic Aneurysm
Aortic Dissection
Coarctation of Aorta

AORTITIS
-Inflammation of the aorta.
-Two types:
a.Takayasus Disease
b.Syphilitic Aortitis

a. Takayakus D isease
A chronic inflammatory disease of the aortic arch and it
branch.
It is a nonatherosclerotic and known to be immune
complex mediated.
Dx: MRA, CT, Duplex Ultrasonography, arteriography
Tx: Goal is to suppress the vascular inflammatory
response Corticosteroid (Predisone)
Surgery: Surgical Revascularization after suppression of
the systemic inflammatory response

Aortic Aneurysm :
- dilatation of the aorta to approx. twice its normal size. It
represents an underlying weakness in the wall of the
aorta.
Common Forms:
a. Fusiform Aneurysm entire segment becomes
dilated.
b. Saccular Aneurysm projects from one side of the
vessel only.
c. Mycotic Aneurysm very small aneurysm due to
localized infection.

A. Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

85% caused by atherosclerosis.
Men > Women (40-70 yrs)
Clinical Manifestatoins: pain (most prominent sx),
dyspnea, cough, aphonia, dysphagia.
Dx:CXR, CT, TEE
Tx: to control BP: Beta Blockers
Surgery: Goal is to repair aneurysm and restore vascular
continuity with a vascular graft.

Abdom inalAortic Aneurysm

Common cause is atherosclerosis.
Men > women (elderly patients)
S/Sx: mottling of toes, cyanosis, may feel an abdominal mass, may
feel heart beating in their abdomen when lying down
Dx: Duplex Ultrasound, CT, Ultrasonography
Management:
1. Pharmacology: Diuretics, Beta-Blockers, ACE Inhibitors, CaChannel Blockers
2. Surgery: >5.5cm (resecting the vessel and sewing a bypass
graft in the place)
Endovascular grafting

D issecting Aorta:
In an aorta diseased by artherosclerosis, a tear develops
in the intima or the media degenerates, resulting in a
dissection.
Men > women (50-70 yrs old)
S/Sx: severe and persistent pain, hypertension
Dx: Arteiography, CT, TEE, Duplex Ultrasonography, MR