abdominal aortic aneurysm

Question 1

why do abdominal aortic aneurysms occur

Answer 1

due to failure of elastic proteins within the extracellular matrix

Question 2

normal diameter of the infrarenal aorta in over 50s

Answer 2

females 1.5cm
males 1.7cm

Question 3

risk factors for AAA

Answer 3

smoking
hypertension
syphilis
connective tissue diseases: ehlers danlos type 1, marfan’s

Question 4

small AAA size and action

Answer 4

3-4.4cm
rescan every 12 months

Question 5

medium AAA size and management

Answer 5

4.5cm-5.4cm
rescan every 3 months

Question 6

large AAA size and management

Answer 6

> 5.5cm
refer within 2 weeks to vascular surgery for intervention

Question 7

management of high rupture risk AAA

Answer 7

elective endovascular repair or open if unsuitable

Question 8

presentation of ruptured AAA

Answer 8

severe, central abdominal pain radiating to the back
pulsatile, expansile mass in the abdomen
patients may be on shock

Question 9

management of haemodynamically stable patient with suspected AAA

Answer 9

CT angio then treat

Question 10

management of haemodynamically unstable patient with AAA

Answer 10

straight to theatre