Cardiology>>>>>Aorta And Hypertension
Question 2#

What is the likelihood that the man in question 1, who does not have a known predisposition to dissection, will die within a year as a result of this aneurysm?

A. 4.1%
B. 2%
C. 10.8%
D. 19.5%
E. 6.6%

Correct Answer is C

Comment:

The annual risk of complications of aortic aneurysms is related to aortic size. The risk of rupture and death increase significantly once aortic size increases above 6 cm (see Table below). The rate of thoracic aorta growth is 0.1 cm/year which is less than that of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The rate of growth is affected by aortic size and genetic disposition (e.g. Marfan syndrome). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survivals for ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm are 65%, 36%, and 20%, respectively. Therefore surgical repair of ascending aortas is recommended when aortic size reaches 5.5 cm, or 4.5 cm if the patient has Marfan syndrome.