Dissecting aneurysm
| A | Atherosclerosis | |
| B |
Medial degeneration |
|
| C |
Syphilis |
|
| D |
Trauma |
Which is the most common cause for dissecting aneurysm of thoracic aorta?
| A |
Atherosclerosis |
|
| B |
Medial degeneration |
|
| C |
Syphilis |
|
| D |
Trauma |
Aortic dissection is a catastrophic illness characterized by dissection of blood in between and along the laminar planes of the media,with the formation of a blood filled channel within the aortic wall; this channel often ruptures through the adventitia and into various spaces, where it causes either massive hemorrhage or cardiac tamponade.
Hypertension is the major risk factor for aortic dissection.
Ref: Robbins Basic Pathology, 8th Ed, page 359-360
In Marfan’s syndrome, Aortic aneurysm occurs most commonly in:
| A |
Ascending aorta |
|
| B |
Descending aorta |
|
| C |
Abdominal aorta |
|
| D |
Arch of aorta |
The answer is A (Ascending Aorta)
Aortic aneurysms in Marfan’s syndrome occur most frequently in the ascending aorta.
Cardiovascular lesions in Marfan’s syndrome
Cardiovascular lesions are the most life-threatening features of Marfan’s syndrome.
Mitral valve prolapse(MVP)
- Loss of connective tissue support in mitral valves leaflets makes them soft and blowy creating the so-called ‘floppy valve’.
- Mitral regurgitation frequently results.
Dilatation of Ascending Aorta
- The media undergoes cystic necrosis (cystic medionecrosis).
- Loss of medial support results in progressive dilatation of aortic valve ring and root of the aorta
- Severe aortic incompetence Aortic dissections