Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

Rupture - Signs and Symptoms

Answer 1

Severe pain
Hypotension
Tachycardia
Profound anaemia
Pulsatile, expansile abdominal mass

Question 2

Normal AP diameter of abdominal aorta

Answer 2

~3 cm

Question 3

US and CT findings

Answer 3

Aortic dilation of >1.5 times the expected AP diameter

Question 4

Treatment of ruptured AAA

Answer 4

Standard resuscitation measures
EVAR
Perioperative antibiotic therapy

Question 5

Treatment of non-ruptured AAA

Answer 5

Asymptomatic - surveillance and CV risk management
Symptomatic - EVAR if aneurysm is >5.5cm in diameter or expanding >1cm/year; laparoscopic surgery; preoperative CV risk management; perioperative antibiotic therapy