2. Abdominal aortic aneurysm Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
3% of those >50
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
3M:1F
Less common in diabetics
3
Q
What causes it?
A
Degeneration of elastic lamellae and smooth muscle loss
Genetic component
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
Age
Smoking
FH
PMH of HTN, CVD, previous MI, COPD
5
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Expansile abdominal mass (if ruptured)
6
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Monitor
Only repair if >5.5cm or growing at >1cm/year
Surgically clamp ruptured
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
Acute pancreatitis, cholecystitis
Mesenteric ischaemia
Hernia
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
Aortic US
Lipids
