Cardiac MRI > Pathology > Disease of the Aorta and Great Vessels > Review Question Answers

Review Question Answers

    1)  Which of the following statements about aortic aneurysms is incorrect?

    1. Saccular aneurysms are usually due to atherosclerosis
    2. Pseudoaneurysms are usually secondary to trauma
    3. Perianeurysmal inflammation is often present with atherosclerotic aneurysms
    4. Marfan's Disease and syphilis cause aneurysms that involve the sinotubular junction
    5. Thoracic aortic aneurysms are usually fixed surgically when they are >5.5 cm

    Answer: C. Perianeurysmal inflammation is often present with atherosclerotic aneurysms. Mycotic, or infectious, aneurysms often have perianeurysmal inflammation while atherosclerotic aneurysms do not. All of the other statements are true.

    2)  Which of the following statements about aortic dissections and intramural hematomas is incorrect?

    1. Intramural hematomas occur when the lumen becomes filled with clot
    2. Intramural hematomas do not have a connection with the aortic lumen
    3. Aortic dissections can cause aortic regurgitation
    4. Aortic dissections can spread to involve the coronary arteries or branches of the aortic arch
    5. An acute intramural hematoma is bright on T2 but isointense to arterial wall on T1

    Answer: A. Intramural hematomas occur when the lumen becomes filled with clot. Intramural hematomas actually occur when there is hemorrhage into the subintimal space. The other responses are all correct.