Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm

BackgroundAneurysmal degeneration can occur anywhere in the human aorta. By definition, an aneurysm is a localized or diffuse dilation of an artery with a diameter at least 50% greater than the normal size of the artery.A blood vessel has 3 layers: the intima (inner layer made of endothelial cells), media (contains...

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Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy

OverviewThe presence of cardiovascular disease in pregnant women poses a difficult clinical scenario in which the responsibility of the treating physician extends to the unborn fetus. Profound changes occur in the maternal circulation that have the potential to adversely affect maternal and fetal health, especially...

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Emergent Management of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture

Introduction to AAAThe decision to treat an unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a complex one, based on operative risk, the risk of rupture, and the patient’s estimated life expectancy. Ruptured AAA is a life-threatening condition that requires emergent surgery. For other discussions on AAA, see Abdominal...

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