Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

Define abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Answer 1

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a permanent pathological dilation of the aorta with a diameter >1.5 times the expected anteroposterior (AP) diameter of that segment, given the patient’s sex and body size.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Summarise the epidemiology of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Answer 2

Cigarette smoking
Hereditary/family history
Increased age
Male sex (prevalence)
Female sex (rupture)
Congenital/connective tissue disorders
Prevalence among men is 4 to 6 times higher than in women.

Question 3

Recognise the presenting symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Answer 3

AAA is usually asymptomatic and is discovered incidentally. In the minority of patients who experience symptoms, abdominal, back, and groin pain are typical.

Question 4

Recognise the signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm on physical examination.

Answer 4

Pulsatile, expanding abdominal pulse. There may also rarely be a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass.

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for an abdominal aortic aneurysm and interpret the results.

Answer 5

Abdominal USS