m13.1 Diseases of the Peripheral Vasculature

Aortic Aneurysm

An abnormal localized dilatation of an artery with an increase in diameter of at least 50%.

True Aneurysm

Dilation of all three layers of the aorta, creating a large bulge of the vessel wall.

Fusiform Aneurysm

Symmetrical dilation of the entire circumference of a segment of the aorta.

Saccular Aneurysm

Localized outpouching involving only a portion of the circumference of the aorta.

Aortic Dissection

A life-threatening condition where blood escapes the vessel lumen through a tear in the intima into the medial layer.

Acute Intramural Hematoma

A variant of an aortic dissection characterized by hemorrhage in the aortic wall without an intimal tear.

Penetrating Atherosclerotic Ulcer

Results from erosion of a plaque in the aortic wall.

Pseudoaneurysm

A contained rupture of the vessel wall, developing when blood leaks out through a hole and is contained.

Claudication

Pain caused by insufficient blood flow during physical activity, often associated with peripheral artery disease.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

A presence of a flow-limiting lesion in an artery that provides blood supply to the limbs.

Diminished Pulses

Loss of pulse sensation distal to diseased arteries, indicative of arterial occlusion.

ABI

Ankle-Brachial Index, a test used to diagnose peripheral artery disease.

Vasculitis

Inflammation of blood vessel walls resulting from immune responses directed against the vessel wall.

Thromboangiitis Obliterans

Also known as Buerger disease, a segmental inflammatory disease of small to medium-sized arteries.

Raynaud Phenomenon

Vasospastic disease causing color changes in fingers and toes upon exposure to cold.

Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

Thrombus formation in deep veins, commonly in the calves or proximal veins.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Elevated venous pressure leading to edema and symptoms like leg pain.

Varicose Veins

Dilated, tortuous superficial vessels due to intrinsic weakness or increased intraluminal pressure.

Sclerotherapy

A treatment method involving injecting a solution into varicose veins to close them.

Endovascular Repair

A minimally invasive surgical technique for repairing aneurysms using stent grafts.

CT Scan

A diagnostic imaging technique often used to visualize aneurysms and dissections.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a non-invasive diagnostic tool to assess vascular conditions.

Hemoptysis

Coughing up blood, a potential sign of pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A blockage in the pulmonary artery often caused by dislodged DVT.

Medical Therapy

Pharmacological treatment aimed at improving symptoms and preventing disease progression.

Compression Stockings

Garments used in the management of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.

Dacron Grafts

Synthetic material used for surgical repair of significant aortic aneurysms.

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

An imaging technique used to visualize the heart and vessels for diagnosing dissections.

High-Dose Steroids

Medications commonly used in the treatment of giant cell arteritis.

Intramural Hematoma

Bleeding within the wall of the aorta, often associated with dissection.

Percutaneous Endograft

A minimally invasive procedure to treat type B aortic dissections.

Surgical Embolectomy

A surgical procedure to remove an embolus blocking a blood vessel.

Vascular Damage

Injury to blood vessel walls that can lead to thrombosis and vascular diseases.

Atherosclerosis

A disease characterized by the buildup of plaques in arterial walls, leading to narrowed arteries.

Familial Aortic Aneurysms

A condition where multiple family members have had aortic aneurysms, indicating a genetic risk.

Marfan Syndrome

A genetic disorder that affects connective tissue and can lead to aortic aneurysms.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

A group of connective tissue disorders which can increase the risk of vascular issues.

Cystic Medial Degeneration

A degenerative condition affecting the medial layer of blood vessels, often linked with aortic aneurysms.