Question 1

Aortic aneurysm is defined as dilatation or outpouching of the aorta with a diameter that is 50% greater than normal.

Accepted Answer

An aortic aneurysm is diagnosed when the aorta's diameter is 50% larger than its normal size, indicating a significant enlargement or bulging.

Question 2

Medial necrosis refers to degeneration and fragmentation of elastic fibers and loss of smooth muscle cells in the tunica media of the arterial wall.

Accepted Answer

Medial necrosis is characterized by the degeneration and fragmentation of elastic fibers and loss of smooth muscle cells in the tunica media, which is the middle layer of the arterial wall.

Question 3

Medial necrosis characterizes thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Accepted Answer

Medial necrosis, specifically cystic medial necrosis, is a common histological finding in thoracic aortic aneurysms, where the structural integrity of the aortic wall is compromised.

Question 4

Aneurysms of the descending aortic usually involve atherosclerotic damage to both the tunica intima and tunica media.

Accepted Answer

Aneurysms in the descending aorta are often associated with atherosclerosis, which can damage both the tunica intima and tunica media layers of the arterial wall.

Question 5

Rupture and dissection of an aortic aneurysm is usually preceded by symptoms.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

The incidence and prevalence of aortic aneurysms has declined over the past several decades.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

The annual mortality from aortic aneurysms has increased over the past several decades.

Accepted Answer

The annual mortality from aortic aneurysms has generally decreased over the past several decades due to improved medical interventions and early detection.

Question 8

Pre-existing cardiovascular conditions such as ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, hypertension and peripheral artery disease increase the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Accepted Answer

Pre-existing cardiovascular conditions can contribute to the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm due to shared risk factors like atherosclerosis, which affects blood vessel integrity and can lead to aneurysm formation.

Question 9

The presence of a bicuspid aortic valve increases the risk for developing an aneurysm of the ascending aorta.

Accepted Answer

A bicuspid aortic valve is associated with connective tissue abnormalities that can lead to aortic dilation and increase the risk of an ascending aortic aneurysm.

Question 10

Prior to advent of antibiotics, syphilis was a major risk factor for development of aortic aneurysm.

Accepted Answer

Before antibiotics, syphilis could progress to tertiary syphilis, which often involved the cardiovascular system, leading to syphilitic aortitis and potentially resulting in aortic aneurysms.

Question 11

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by all of the following symptoms except:

Accepted Answer

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) typically occurs in older adults, often over the age of 50, and is characterized by symptoms such as claudication and an ankle-brachial index less than 0.90. Prior cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a risk factor, not a symptom.

Question 12

What is the approximate number of people living with PAD in the world population?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 200 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).

Question 13

What is the trend in annual prevalence of PAD since 2000?

Accepted Answer

The annual prevalence of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) has been increasing since 2000 due to factors such as aging populations and rising rates of diabetes and obesity.

Question 14

What ethnic group in the United States has the highest prevalence of PAD?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

What is the trend in the annual number of deaths from aortic aneurysms since 1990?

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

What is the trend of annual age-specific mortality rates of aortic aneurysms since 1990?

Accepted Answer

Since 1990, advancements in medical technology, improved surgical techniques, and better management of risk factors have contributed to a decrease in age-specific mortality rates of aortic aneurysms.

Question 17

What is the pattern of inheritance of Marfan syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Marfan syndrome is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, meaning only one copy of the altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder.

Question 18

What is the dominant risk factor for aneurysms of the descending and abdominal aorta?

Accepted Answer

Atherosclerosis is the dominant risk factor for aneurysms of the descending and abdominal aorta, as it leads to the weakening of the arterial wall.

Question 19

Discuss the classification of aortic aneurysms.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Discuss trends in the mortality from aortic aneurysms.

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 8: Epidemiology of Aortic Aneurysm and Dissection