Month: January 2013

Essay: Surgical Anatomy of AAA

Surgical Anatomy of AAA: Abdominal aorta has three layers: tunica intima, tunica media, and tunica adventitia. An aortic aneurysm leads to the dilatation of all three layers. The aorta pierces the diaphragm and enters the abdominal cavity at the level of T12. after entering the abdominal cavity, the aorta divides into two branches at the level of L4 or fourth lumbar vertebra. The two branches of the abdominal aorta are the iliac arteries. Aorta is anterior to the vertebral bodies. The inferior vena cava is situated on the right side of the aorta whereas the sympathetic trunk is present on its left side. Cisterna chyli lies between the aorta and inferior vena cava. Anteriorly, the aorta is covered by many structures. These include the peritoneum of lesser sac, pancreas, splenic vein, left renal vein, part of the duodenum, and small intestine. (more…)

Essay: Tests for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

MRI is a useful, non-invasive technique used in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. The advantages of MRI are that ionizing radiation is not used and the contrasts used are not nephrotoxic. Therefore, it is the modality of choice in patients with renal disease. The disadvantages of MRI are that it is not easily available everywhere and is more expensive than ultrasound and CT. (more…)