AAA Flashcards
which gender is AAA more common in?
Men
what are the main risk factors for AAA?
HYPERTENSION, SMOKING, DIABETES
Age, obesity, high LDL, sedentary, genetics
what are the other causes of AAA?
o Co-arction of the aorta o Marfaans syndrome o Previous aortic surgery o Pregnancy o Trauma o Inflam – Takayasu o Infection – syphilis
what are the causes of false aneurysms?
iatrogenic (post catheter angiogram, orthopaedic surgery, arterial anastomosis), IV drug abuse, trauma
what is the definition of an aneurysm?
permanent dilatation in the vessel wall
what is a true aneurysm?
involves all 3 layers of the arterial wall
what is a false aneurysm?
single later of fibrous tissue forms the aneurysm wall
what are the two morphologies of aneurysms?
fusiform or saccular
what is the pathophysiology of AAA?
Ischaemia of the aortic media where there is an atherosclerotic plaque. This is as a result of release of macrophage enzymes that break down the elastic fibres causing dilation
where is a common site of AAA development?
below renal artery
how can AAAs rupture?
o anteriorly into peritoneal cavity (worse prognosis)
o posteriorly into retroperitoneum
what are the symptoms of non ruptured AAA?
Asymptomatic
Also pain, trashing, malaise, weight loss
What are the symptoms of ruptured AAA?
o sudden onset of epigastric/central abdominal pain
o radiates through to back
o collapse
o Hypotension
o Patient may look well, normotensive/hypertensive
o May mimic renal colic
o Pulsatile, expansile mass +/- tender over AAA
o Transmitted pulse in flanks
o sweating
what is the definition of a AAA diagnsois?
aneurysm is >50% of normal diameter
how is AAA diagnosed?
- Screening >65yrs men
- AXR
- Ultrasoudn used for staging
