Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

Define an AAA

Answer 1

Abnormal focal dilatation of the aorta to ~ 150% of its normal diameter

Question 2

What is the normal diameter of the AAA

Answer 2

2cm- dilated is more than 3cm

Question 3

Mention some risk factors for AAA

Answer 3

• Atherosclerotic damage
• Family history
• Smoking
• Male
• Old Age
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidaemia
• Connective tissue disorders- Marfan’s, Ehlers- Danlos syndrome
• Inflammatory disorders

Question 4

What are some symptoms for unruptured AAA?

Answer 4

There are none. Might be spotted incidentally, causing abdominal/ back pain. Could spot pulsation if the patient lays down in bath tub

Question 5

What are some symptoms for ruptured AAA?

Answer 5

Severe abdominal/ back pain, pulsatile abdominal mass, syncope, shock (hypotension)

Question 6

What will you see for an examination of AAA?

Answer 6

Pulsatile mass that is laterally expansive on bimanual palpation

Question 7

What investigations will you carry out if you suspect AAA?

Answer 7

• Bloods- FBC, clotting, renal and liver function
• CT Scan- better than ultrasound as can determine whether aneurysm is leaking or not
-> AAA will appear as a bright white spot on a CT