Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA

Question 1

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA define aneurysm?

Answer 1

An aneurysm is an outward bulging, likened to a bubble or balloon, caused by a localized, abnormal, weak spot on a blood vessel wall. Aneurysms are a result of a weakened blood vessel wall, and may be a result of a hereditary condition or an acquired disease.

Question 2

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA?

Answer 2

A localised enlargement of the abdominal aorta such that the diameter is > 3 cm or > 50% larger than normal diameter. Normal diameter of the aorta = 2 cm.

Question 3

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA risk factors (9)?

Answer 3

Severe artherosclerotic damage to aortic wall, family history, smoking, male, age, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, connective tissue disorders (Marfan’s syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome) Inflammatory disorders (Behcet’s disease, Takayasu’s arteritis).

Question 4

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA atherscelosis?

Answer 4

Question 5

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA unruptured symptoms?

Answer 5

no symptoms, usually an incidental finding, may have pain in back, loin or groin.

Question 6

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA ruptured symptoms?

Answer 6

pain in abdo, back or loin. Pain may be sudden or severe. Syncope, shock.

Question 7

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA signs?

Answer 7

Pulsatile and laterally expansile mass on bimanual palpation of abdo aorta, abdominal bruit, retroperitoneal haemorrhage can cause Grey-Turners sign.

Question 8

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA investigations bloods (5)?

Answer 8

FBC, clotting screen, renal and liver function, cross match if surgery planned

Question 9

Abdominal aortic aneurysm AAA investigations imaging (2)?

Answer 9

USS can detect aneurysm but cant tell if its leaking, CT with contrast can.