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Acute Aortic Disease.. - Index of

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Natural History <strong>of</strong> Thoracic <strong>Aortic</strong> Aneurysms 201<br />

Wall stress (kPa) 1000<br />

800<br />

600<br />

400<br />

200<br />

0<br />

Normals < 4cm 4.1-5cm 5.1-6cm > 6 cm<br />

aortic diameter(cm)<br />

Figure F Impact <strong>of</strong> increasing diameter on aortic wall stress. Dark bars indicate stress at<br />

an ambient blood pressure <strong>of</strong> 100 mmHg systolic; light bars, an ambient blood pressure <strong>of</strong><br />

200 mmHg. The dotted line represents the known ultimate tensile strength (breaking point)<br />

<strong>of</strong> aortic tissue. For enlarged aortas, in a hypertensive situation, the wall stress approaches<br />

or exceeds the ultimate tensile strength <strong>of</strong> the aortic tissue; it is no wonder, then, that<br />

rupture or dissection occur at these dimensions.<br />

Figure G (See color insert) A large thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. The head is to the<br />

top and the feet to the bottom <strong>of</strong> the picture. The chest and abdomen have been opened<br />

widely, revealing a large, extensive aneurysm <strong>of</strong> the thoracoabdominal aorta. A soda can is<br />

about 6 cm in diameter. If a patient’s aorta is approaching this dimension, the aorta should<br />

be extirpated surgically to prevent rupture or dissection.

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