AAA Flashcards
What is the definition of an aneurysm?
dilation of >50% normal diameter
Above which diameter is the aorta to be classed as AAA
> 3cm
What are the symptoms of AAA?
majority asymptomatic, found incidentally. Pulsatile mass, collapse, back/abdominal pain, hypotension, bruising in flanks
What is the first line investigation for AAA?
US
What is the second investigation in AAA?
CT angiogram of aorta
Which demographic does the AAA screening programme target?
men >65
What is the management of AAA?
US, smoking cessation, BP control, statin + aspirin, weight loss, surgery
What are the two types of surgery performed in AAA?
open (synthetic graft) and endovascular/EVAR
What is the classic triad of ruptured AAA?
HTN, flank/back pain, pulsatile mass
Why should fluid resusitation be issued with caution in ruptured AAA?
risk of increased clots
If AAA is <4.3 cm, what should the follow up be?
yearly FU
What is the most common type of AAA?
infrarenal + fusiform
What are the complications of AAA?
rupture, distal embolism, aorto-caval fistula, upper GI bleed, aortic occlusion
Name three types of AAA
supra, para, and infrarenal AAA
Name four risk factors for AAA
age, gender, FH, smoking, athersclerosis, obesity, greater height
