Re: Aortic enlargement vs. aneurysm question
From an article I found here:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/416266-overview "An aneurysm is defined as a localized dilation of an artery by at least 50% as compared with the expected normal diameter of the vessel. . . .
"Most aneurysms (80%) demonstrate progressive enlargement. The diameter of an aneurysm is directly related to its risk of rupture. For aneurysms smaller than 4 cm in diameter, the risk of rupture is less than 10%. Once an aneurysm is 4-5 cm in diameter, the risk of rupture increases to almost 25%, with an associated mortality rate as high as 75%. The accepted surgical mortality rate remains less than 5% with the elective repair of these 4- to 5-cm aneurysms. . . "
Do a search for "aortic aneurysm diagnosis" and see what else you can come up with.
The wording and phrasing used by the Radiologist in interpreting any imaging (CT, MRI, Abd Xray, US, etc) may help too.
Since you mention bringing in a vascular surgeon, her MDs may well suspect an aneurysm, and want to assess risk VS benefit of going ahead w/the chole.
Search Tags
Nursing News