Abdominal aortic aneurysm Flashcards Preview

Surgery > Abdominal aortic aneurysm > Flashcards

Flashcards in Abdominal aortic aneurysm Deck (13)
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1
Q

Definition of an aneurysm?

A

Abnormal focal dilatation of an endothelial-lined vascular structure (artery, vein, heart chamber)

2
Q

Commonest site for an aneurysm requiring treatment?

A

Infrarenal aorta

3
Q

Risk factors for AAA? (6)

A
Family history
Smoking
Hypertension
Hyperlipidaemia
Male sex
Increasing age
4
Q

In what three ways can AAA present?

A

Unruptured and asymptomatic (most common)
Unruptured and symptomatic
Ruptured

5
Q

How are asymptomatic AAAs found?

A

Incidental finding on clinical examination or scans (MRI, CT, ultrasound) conducted for another reason

6
Q

Symptoms of unruptured AAA? (3)

A

Pain in the central abdomen, back, loin, iliac fossa or groin
Distal embolisation causing limb ischaemia
Compression of uretur/inferior vena cava

7
Q

Presentation of ruptured AAA?

A

Sudden, severe abdominal pain

Syncope/shock/collapse

8
Q

What is the diameter cut-off for consideration of surgery?

A

5.5.cm

9
Q

Medical management of aneurysm? (4)

A

Smoking cessation
Blood pressure control
Statins
Anti-platelet therapy

10
Q

Investigation of AAA? (3)

A

Ultrasound
CT- provides more anatomical details
MR angiography

11
Q

What may the crescent sign on CT predict?

A

Imminent rupture

12
Q

Surgical options for AAA repair? (2)

A

Open aneurysm repair

EVAR

13
Q

Why should patients with ruptured AAA not undergo aggressive fluid resus?

A

Contraction in the circulating volume aids haemostasis (permissive hypotension)