Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic Aneurysm



Basic Information  image



Definition


Localized abnormal dilation of the aorta that can be congenital or acquired. May occur at the aortic sinus or in the thoracic or abdominal aorta.



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex


More common in males than females



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes




• Intact aneurysm: May not cause clinical signs.


• Ruptured aneurysms: Clinical signs vary depending on the location (intracardiac, thoracic, or abdominal).



History, Chief Complaint




• Depends on the location and etiopathology:


• Sinus of Valsalva: Condition is asymptomatic until the aneurysm ruptures (see “Aortocardiac Fistula” in this section)

• Intrathoracic: Signs of right-sided congestive heart failure, recumbency, shortness of breath, distress, collapse, cardiovascular collapse, or sudden death

• Intraabdominal: Colic, lameness, or sudden death


Physical Exam Findings




• Intact aneurysm: may be found incidentally; may or may not have a murmur


• Clinical signs depend on the site of rupture:


• Intracardiac

image Acute onset of right-sided heart failure: Ventral edema, jugular vein distension, jugular pulses, congested mucous membranes, decreased capillary refill time, weak arterial pulses

image Ventricular arrhythmias: Result of disruption of the conduction system

image Sudden death

• Intrathoracic

image Signs of right-sided heart failure: Ventral edema, jugular vein distension, jugular pulses, congested mucous membranes, decreased capillary refill time, weak arterial pulses

image Sudden death

• Intraabdominal

image Hindlimb lameness and colic
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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Aortic Aneurysm

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