Question 5 of 22
This MRCS Part B station is about vascular pathology.
This MRCS Part B station is about vascular pathology.
What factors contribute to development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
- Atherosclerosis is the commonest cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
- Other causes include infection and trauma, and genetic disposition plays as role.
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms arise due to failure of the structural proteins involved in the aortic wall, in particular the elastin and collagen in the media.
- Atherosclerosis results in weakening of the mechanical structure, loss of elastic recoil, and degenerative ischaemic changes, due to obstruction of the vasa vasorum.
- Risk factors for atherolsclerlosis include: Smoking, Hypertension, Age, Family, History, Hyperlipidaemia, Diabetes mellitus, Male sex. 10% will have a coincidental popliteal aneurysm.
