AAA

Question 1

What is an AAA

Answer 1

Dilated abdominal aorta (increased circumference >1.5 x2cm)

Question 2

Risk factors for AAA

Answer 2

Same as Peripheral Arterial disease

Question 3

Presentation of AAA

Answer 3

• Often asymptomatic
• Symptoms of PAD
• Non-specific abdominal pain
• Found incidentatlly on abdo x-ray
• Palpable expansile pulsation in abdomen when palpated with both hands
• EPIGASTRIC PAIN THAT RADIATES TO THE BACK

Question 4

Size of AAA and correspondence to management

Answer 4

• Normal or <3cm aorta will not require treatment or further scan
• Small- 3-4.4 cm - annual US
• Medium - 4.5-5.4 cm aorta- quarterly US surveillance and cardiovascular secondary prevention therapy
• Large- >5.5cm aorta will be referred for assessment and possible elective repair

Question 5

Management of AAA

Answer 5

• Treat reversible risk factors
• Monitoring size
• Treating peripheral arterial disease
• Surgical >5.5 cm
  _endovascular stenting
• Laparoscopic repair

Question 6

Presentation of ruptured AA

Answer 6

Known AAA or pulsalite mass in abdomen

• Severe abdominal pain (non-specific, radiating to the back or loin)
• Haemodynamic instability - hypotension, tachycardia