Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article is orphaned as few or no other articles link to it.
Please help introduce links in articles on related topics. (May 2008)

A penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer (PAU) is an atherosclerotic lesion that ulcerates, leading to a hematoma forming within the walls of the aorta.[1]

[edit] Diagnosis

The condition is often associated with thickening of the aortic wall, and can be differentiated from similar conditions (atherosclerotic plaque and a thrombus) through the use of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, though the latter is superior.[2] Transesophageal echocardiography and intravascular ultrasonography may also be used in differentiation.[1]

[edit] Treatment

Complications such as rupture or other life-threatening conditions are rare. Treatment may involve surgery, particularly when signs indicating worsening are present (the patient is unable to control their pain or changes in blood pressure).[1]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c Hayashi H, Matsuoka Y, Sakamoto I, et al (2000). "Penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer of the aorta: imaging features and disease concept". Radiographics 20 (4): 995–1005. PMID 10903689. 
  2. ^ Chu, B; Yuan C, Takaya N et al. (March 2006). "Serial high-spatial-resolution, multisequence magnetic resonance imaging studies identify fibrous cap rupture and penetrating ulcer into carotid atherosclerotic plaque". Circulation 113 (12): e660–e661. American Heart Association. doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.105.567255. PMID 16567574. 
 This disease article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.