Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

What is AAA

Answer 1

Increase in the diameter of a vessel compared to normal segments by 50% or more. Caused by a local aliased weakening of the arterial wall

Question 2

Epidemiology and risk factors of AAA

Answer 2

-prevelance with age
-male>female
-smoking (strongest risk factor)
-arteriosclerosis
-family history
-genetic conditions such as Marfan syndrome
-high salt intake
-less common with those with diabatetes
-trauma

Question 3

Clinical presentation of AAA

Answer 3

Abdominal/back pain
Pulsating abdominal mass (3-4cm increase)
Severe hypertension
Shock
Symptoms of rupture
Deep,boring pain In abdomen
Pain and tenderness to palpate
Shocking pain in abdomen/lower back

Question 4

Systemic effects of AAA

Answer 4

-rupture of AAA can lead to life threatening internal bleeding
-compression of adjacent structure may cause symptoms such as renal impingement or lower limb ischemia
-high salt intake is independently associated with increased aortic disorder
-decreased efficiency of blood in the Lex

Question 5

Pathology of AAA

Answer 5

Weakening of the aortic wall, leaving to building or ballooning
Aneurysm may develop due to arteriosclerosis inflammation or genetic factors
Risk of rupture increases with the size and growth rate
Rapidly increasingly diameter is linked with higher risk of rupture

Question 6

Differential diagnosis of AAA

Answer 6

Renal colic
Muscular skeletal back/abdominal pain
Gastrointestinal conditions- haemorrhage
Diverticulitis

Question 7

Treatment of AAA

Answer 7

Surgery- removal of aneurysm
Beta blockers
Antibiotics
Monitoring
Lifestyle changes
Physio therapy