Aortic aneurysm

Question 1

What is a abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Answer 1

Dilation of the abdominal aorta with a diamter of more than 3cm

Question 2

Mortality rate of a rutptured AAA?

Answer 2

80%

Question 3

Screening for AAA?

Answer 3

All men over the age of 65 are offered an ultrasound screen to detect asymptomatic AAA

Question 4

Presentation of AAA?

Answer 4

• Pulsatile and expansile mass in abdo when palpated with both hands
• Non-specific abdo pain

Question 5

Diagnosis of AAA?

Answer 5

Ultrasound- initial
CT angiogram- more detailed and helps guide for surgery

Question 6

Aortic aneurysm size classification?

Answer 6

• Normal- less than 3cm
• Small aneurysm- 3-4.4cm
• Medium aneurysm- 4.5-5.4cm
• Large aneurysm- above 5.5cm

Question 7

Reversible risk factors for AAA?

Answer 7

• Stop smoking
• Healthy diet and exercise
• Management of hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia

Question 8

Screening and surveillance for AAA?

Answer 8

Yearly- 3-4.4cm
3 monthly- 4.5-5.4cm

Question 9

Elective repair of AAA when patients have?

Answer 9

• Symptoms
• Growing more than 1 cm a year
• Diameter above 5.5cm