Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

What are the causes of AAA?

Answer 1

1. Atherosclerosis (90%)
   - smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, DM
2. Mycotic infection
3. Cystic medial necrosis
4. Ehler-Danlos syndrome
5. Arteritis

Question 2

What are the complications of AAA?

Answer 2

1. Aortic dissection - absent femoral pulse
2. Embolism - digital infarct
3. Spinal artery compression - myelopathy
4. Renal artery compression (juxtarenal) - AKI

Question 3

What are the examination findings/signs of AAA?

Answer 3

1. Pulsatile mass in central abodmen, both vertically and horizontally
2. Bruit
3. Check for associated aneurysms in other arteries
   - Carotid, femoral, poplital, dorsalis pedis