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    Review Notes For NCLEX CGFNS - Aortic Aneurysms

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    There are two main types of aortic aneurysms: fusiform and saccular. Fusiform aneurysms generally involve the entire circumference of the aorta and appear as a symmetrical bulge, while saccular aneurysms appear as an asymmetrical blister on the side of the aorta. Aortic aneurysms can be classified by their cause, such as degenerative aneurysms caused by smoking and hypertension, or dissecting aneurysms caused by a tear within the aortic wall. They can also be classified by location, with thoracic aortic aneurysms occurring in the chest and abdominal aortic aneurysms making up the majority in the abdomen. Treatment depends on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm, with

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    Review Notes For NCLEX CGFNS - Aortic Aneurysms

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    wyndz
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    There are two main types of aortic aneurysms: fusiform and saccular. Fusiform aneurysms generally involve the entire circumference of the aorta and appear as a symmetrical bulge, while saccular aneurysms appear as an asymmetrical blister on the side of the aorta. Aortic aneurysms can be classified by their cause, such as degenerative aneurysms caused by smoking and hypertension, or dissecting aneurysms caused by a tear within the aortic wall. They can also be classified by location, with thoracic aortic aneurysms occurring in the chest and abdominal aortic aneurysms making up the majority in the abdomen. Treatment depends on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm, with

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    Review Notes for NCLEX CGFNS - Aortic Aneurysms

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    There are two main types of aortic aneurysms: fusiform and saccular. Fusiform aneurysms generally involve the entire circumference of the aorta and appear as a symmetrical bulge, while saccular aneurysms appear as an asymmetrical blister on the side of the aorta. Aortic aneurysms can be classified by their cause, such as degenerative aneurysms caused by smoking and hypertension, or dissecting aneurysms caused by a tear within the aortic wall. They can also be classified by location, with thoracic aortic aneurysms occurring in the chest and abdominal aortic aneurysms making up the majority in the abdomen. Treatment depends on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm, with

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    917 views2 pages

    Review Notes For NCLEX CGFNS - Aortic Aneurysms

    Uploaded by

    wyndz
    There are two main types of aortic aneurysms: fusiform and saccular. Fusiform aneurysms generally involve the entire circumference of the aorta and appear as a symmetrical bulge, while saccular aneurysms appear as an asymmetrical blister on the side of the aorta. Aortic aneurysms can be classified by their cause, such as degenerative aneurysms caused by smoking and hypertension, or dissecting aneurysms caused by a tear within the aortic wall. They can also be classified by location, with thoracic aortic aneurysms occurring in the chest and abdominal aortic aneurysms making up the majority in the abdomen. Treatment depends on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm, with

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    NCLEX/CGFNS Review Notes by Lyle, RN

    Downloaded from Pinoy RN | www.PinoyRN.co.nr

    Types of Aortic Aneurysms

    Aortic aneurysms are classified by shape, location along the aorta and the process that leads to their formation.

    The wall of the aorta is made up of three layers: a thin inner layer of smooth cells called the endothelium, a muscular middle layer which
    has elastic fibers, and a tough outer layer. When the walls of the aneurysm have all three layers, they are called true aneurysms. If the
    wall of the aneurysm has only the outer layer remaining, it is called a pseudoaneurysm. Pseudoaneurysms may occur as a result of
    trauma when the inner layers are torn apart.

    Shape
    • Fusiform aneurysms
    Most fusiform aneurysms are true aneurysms. The weakness is
    often along an extended section of the aorta and involves the entire
    circumference of the aorta. The weakened portion appears as a
    generally symmetrical bulge.
    • Saccular aneurysms
    Saccular aneurysms appear like a small blister or bleb on the side of
    the aorta and are asymmetrical. Typically they are
    pseudoaneurysms caused either by trauma such as a car accident or
    as the result of a penetrating aortic ulcer.

    Cause
    • Degenerative aneurysms
    Degenerative aneurysms are the most common. They occur as the result of breakdown of the connective tissue and muscular
    layer. The cause could be cigarette smoking, high blood pressure
    and/or genetic conditions.

    • Dissecting aneurysms
    Dissecting aneurysms occur when a tear begins within the wall of
    the aorta causing the three layers to separate similar to what
    happens to plywood that is left out in the weather. The dissection
    (separation of the layers) causes the wall of the aorta to weaken,
    and the aorta enlarges.

    Dissections may occur any place along the aorta and treatment
    depends upon the location. Frequently, dissections involving the
    ascending aorta are treated with emergency surgery while those
    involving the descending thoracic aorta are treated with
    medication.

    Although dissections are uncommon, they are the most common of


    the acute aortic syndromes. They are lethal if not treated. They
    should be treated only by surgeons who have special expertise.
    Location
    • Thoracic aortic aneurysms
    The aorta is shaped like an old-fashioned walking cane with the short stem of the curved handle coming out of the heart and
    curling through the aortic arch, which gives off branches to the head and arms. Then the aorta descends through the chest
    cavity into the abdomen and separates to provide blood to the abdominal organs and both legs. Thoracic aneurysms can occur
    anywhere along the aorta above the diaphragm, including the ascending aorta, the aortic arch, and the descending thoracic
    aorta.

    Up to 25 percent of aortic aneurysms are thoracic. They can result from various connective tissue disorders (such as Marfan's
    syndrome), atherosclerosis, previous dissection of the aorta, prolonged high blood pressure (hypertension), and trauma
    (usually falls or motor vehicle accidents).

    • Abdominal aortic aneurysms


    Abdominal aortic aneurysms are located along the portion of the
    aorta that passes through the abdomen. Continuing from the
    thoracic aorta, the abdominal aorta carries blood down through the
    abdomen until it eventually splits off into two smaller arteries that
    provide blood to the pelvis and legs.

    Abdominal aortic aneurysms are far more common than thoracic


    aortic aneurysms, comprising up to 75 percent of aortic aneurysms.
    They can affect anyone, but are most often seen in men ages 40 to
    70. Most abdominal aortic aneurysms are caused by
    atherosclerosis.

    Treatment
    The risks and benefits of surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms differ from those for thoracic aortic aneurysms.

    Abdominal aortic aneurysms are unlikely to rupture if they develop slowly, are less than four or five centimeters (about two inches) in
    diameter, and cause no symptoms. In these cases, the risk of rupture within a five-year period is low and observation with periodic
    rechecks of the aneurysm is often advised. The risks involved with surgery outweigh the risk of the aneurysm rupturing.

    At surgery, the weakened aorta is replaced with a polyester tube and sutured in place. The polyester graft is permanent and will last for
    many years. This method is tried and true, and has been used for many years at Mayo Clinic. Repair of these aneurysms can usually be
    accomplished with traditional abdominal surgery or with the newer endovascular surgical techniques.

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