Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Essay - 1487 Words

Definition An AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm) is defined as enlargement of at least 3 cm of the abdominal aorta. The majority of abdominal aortic aneurysms begins below the renal arteries and ends above the iliac arteries. The exact cause of (AAAs) is unknown. However, it is thought to be due to a degenerative process of the abdominal aorta caused by atherosclerosis. Artherosclerosis represents a response to vessel wall injury caused by inflammation, genetically regulated defects in collagen and fibrillin, increased protease activity within the arterial wall, and mechanical factors (Stoelting p. 143). Pathophysiology The abdominal aorta consists of three distinct tissue layers including: the intima, media, and adventicia. There is†¦show more content†¦There is an increase in the concentration of proteolytic enzymes compared to their inhibitors in the abdominal aorta as age progresses. It is also thought that metalloproteinases (MMPs) may be a factor in the development of AAAs (Stoelting p. 143). There is an increase in expression and activity of MMPs in people with AAAs. MMPs are present in normal aortic tissue and are responsible for vessel remodeling. These proteinases are secreted into the extracellular matrix of AAAs by aortic smooth muscle cells and macrophages. Increased MMP activity favors the degradation of collagen and elastin in aneurysmal tissue (Laake). Signs and Symptoms Patients with ruptured AAAs present in many different ways. The most common manifestation of rupture is back pain with a pulsatile abdominal mass and hypotension. Additional symptoms may include syncope, flank mass, groin pain, or paralysis (Dalman and White). Unstable patients with a suspected ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm need immediate operation and control of the proximal aorta without preoperative confirmatory testing or optional volume resuscitation (Stoelting, p. 144). Anesthesia Management Surgical intervention is presently the only effective method of treating AAAs. The risk of surgical repair is outweighed by the risk of aneurysm rupture or aneurysm related death. PatientsShow MoreRelatedHow An Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?1408 Words   |  6 Pagesessay will discuss how an abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs, who are at risk of developing one, how the body responds as well as the clinical presentations of the signs and symptoms. It will also give an explanation of how the clinical presentations relates to the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms as well as how it affects homeostatic mechanisms. Before those subjects it is necessary to understand what an abdominal aortic aneurysm is. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an augmented area of theRead MoreEssay about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm2054 Words   |  9 Pagesdown U and become the aortic arch. 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Two days following surgery, Mrs. K developedRead MorePhysical Status Score Improves Predictions Of Survival After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair1270 Words   |  6 PagesFull title: Self-reported fitness combined with American Society of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status Score improves predictions of survival after endovascular aneurysm repair Category: Original article Short title: Combining self-reported fitness and ASA improves survival predictions after EVAR Authors: Mary Barnes (BAppSc, GradDipMath)1 , Margaret Boult (BSc (Hons), GDIM)2, Prue Cowled (BSc(Hons), PhD)2, Robert A Fitridge (MS, FRACS)2 Affiliations: 1CSIRO, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, AustraliaRead MoreHesi Hypertension Essay5265 Words   |  22 Pagesfactors. C)  If there is a cause for your hypertension, it will become evident very soon. You will see the healthcare provider frequently until the cause is determined. 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Mycotic aneurysms were initiallyRead MoreAneurysm Essay1246 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Despite considerable advances in surgical treatment, the ruptured human abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is still associated with a mortality rate of 65–85% [1, 2] . A diameter is currently the only reliable determinant of the imminent rupture of an AAA and patients exceeding 5.5 cm generally undergo surgical or endovascular intervention [2, 3] . However, the outcome of rupture is poor with less than half of the patients being delivered to the hospital alive [1, 4] . It is well knownRead MoreA Research Study On Vascular Imaging1548 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Vascular ultrasound (US) is an established non-invasive method of imaging the cardiovascular system. It is cheap, accessible and provides a rapid diagnosis of many vascular diseases such as presence of abdominal aortic aneurysm, deep vein thrombosis and limb arterial occlusions. 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