Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Flashcards
Are abdominal aortic aneurysms typically suprarenal or infrarenal?
Infrarenal (below renal arteries)
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
A permanent aortic dilation exceeding 50% where the diameter is greater than 3cm
What are risk factors of an AAA?
(Many are idiopathic)
Connective tissue disorders
Smoking
Obesity
Hypertension
Trauma
Family history
Age
In an AAA there degeneration of what 3 things?
Smooth muscle
Elastic
Structure
In how many layers is there degeneration of smooth muscle, elastic and structural degeneration of in a true AAA?
All 3 layers of vascular tunic (intima, media, adventitia)
What does pseudo aneurysm mean?
Not all 3 layers (intima, media an adventitia) are affected by degeneration of smooth muscle, elastic and structure.
What is the pathology of an AAA?
Smooth muscle, elastic and structural degeneration in all 3 layers of the vascular tunic with leukocyte infiltrate
How dilated is an AAA for a severe risk of rupture?
5.5+ cm
An AAA rupture is a s_____ e______
surgical emergency
What type of AAA may younger patients who smoke and have atherosclerotic plaques have?
Inflammatory AAA
What may younger patients who have an AAA also present with?
Pyrexia (fever)
What are symptoms of an AAA?
Asymptomatic until increased risk of rupture
Sudden epigastric pain radiating to flank
Pulsatile mass in abdomen
Hypotensive and tachycardic
What is a differential diagnosis for an AAA?
Acute pancreatitis
(Typically non-pulsatile and more associated with Grey Turner/ Cullen signs)
How is an AAA diagnosed?
Abdominal ultrasound
Why is an abdominal ultrasound a good diagnostic tool for an AAA?
Cheap
Easy
Sensitive and specific
