PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the PAEA Surgery EOR Exam. Test your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and detailed explanations. Gear up for your surgical rotation success!

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What is the most common cause of aneurysms?

Atherosclerosis
Trauma
Infection
Marfan's syndrome

The correct answer is: Atherosclerosis

The most common cause of aneurysms is atherosclerosis. Aneurysms are localized dilatations of blood vessels that can occur in various locations, most commonly in the aorta, the arteries in the brain, and peripheral arteries. Atherosclerosis, characterized by the buildup of plaque (fatty deposits) in the arteries, leads to the weakening and degeneration of the arterial wall. This weakening allows the artery to dilate and form an aneurysm. Atherosclerosis is prevalent in individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes, making it a significant contributor to aneurysm formation, especially in older adults. This chronic and progressive inflammatory disease ultimately compromises the structural integrity of the vessel wall, leading to aneurysms. While other causes like trauma can lead to traumatic aneurysms, and infections can result in mycotic aneurysms, these occurrences are much less common compared to those induced by atherosclerosis. Additionally, conditions like Marfan's syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissue, can lead to aneurysms but represent a smaller subset of cases. Thus, atherosclerosis stands out as the primary driver in the majority of aneurysm cases.