abdominal aortic aneurysm

Question 1

small AAA

Answer 1

less than 4 cm

Question 2

very large AAA

Answer 2

> 6 cm

Question 3

large AAA

Answer 3

> 5.5 cm

Question 4

rapid expansion

Answer 4

increase risk aortic diameter by > 5 mm over 6 month period or 10 mm over a year

Question 5

large AAA

Answer 5

> 5.5 cm

Question 6

increased risk rupture

Answer 6

female *consider surgery if > 5 cm
Rapidly expanding
Continued smoker
Advancing age

Question 7

indication for surgery

Answer 7

AAA > 5.5 cm (large AAA)

Question 8

uncommon for AAA

Answer 8

5 cm

Question 9

increased risk rupture

Answer 9

female *consider surgery if > 5 cm
Rapidly expanding
Continued smoker
Advancing age

Question 10

define very large AAA. Significance?

Answer 10

> 6 cm

Consider admission + Symptoms

Question 11

what drugs halt expansion of the AAA

Answer 11

NONE. Give drugs for HTN, etc if present.

*give ASA & statin to prevent ACS–these pt are at higher risk… AAA is CAD equivalent.

Question 12

exercise restriction if AAA found?

Answer 12

pt needs exercise for secondary prevention of cardiovascular dz. MODERATE exercise (running, biking, swimming, hiking, sex do NOT precipitate rupture). **NO HEAVY LIFTING… ESPECIALLY WHILE HOLDING BREATH

Question 13

indications for AAA repair

Answer 13

• -asymptomatic > 5.5 cm
• -rapidly expanding
• -AAA associated with peripheral arterial aneurysm or PAD