Abdominal aortic aneurysm Flashcards
What is AAA?
Dilation of the abdominal aorta >3cm
What is the mortality of a ruptured AAA?
80%
What are the risk factors for AAA?
Men Increased age Hypertension Smoking - MOST SIGNIFICANT Family history Existing cardiac disease Diabetes
Who gets screening for AAA?
ALL men >65 yrs
Women > 70 with one other risk factor: Cardiovascular disease, COPD, family history, Hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidaemia
How is screening for AAA done?
Ultrasound
What are the classification sizes of AAA?
Normal <3
Small 3-4.4
Medium 4.5-5.4
Large >5.5
How often is an AAA 3-4.4 checked up?
Yearly
How often is an AAA 4.5-5.4cm checked up?
3 monthly
Who is given elective repair?
Symptomatic aneurysm
Diameter growing >1cm per year
Diameter >5.5cm
How is elective surgery done?
using an artificial graft
by open repair or endovascular repair (using a stent via femoral arteries)
What are the chances of having a rupture with 5cm and 8cm diameter?
5cm = 5% rupture 8cm = 40% rupture
What are the signs of a ruptured AAA?
severe abdominal pain which radiates to back and groin Hypotension Tachycardia Loss of consciousness Pulsatile expansive mass Pale, clammy, sweaty skin Surgical emergency
How else can a AAA be imaged?
CT angiogram
