Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Flashcards

1
Q

Define Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm? (AAA)

A

A localised enlargement of the abdominal aorta such that the diameter is > 3 cm or > 50% larger than normal diameter

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2
Q

What is the normal diameter of the aorta?

A

2 cm

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3
Q

What are the risk factors for AAA?

A
Severe atherosclerotic damage to aortic wall
Family history 
Smoking 
Male 
Age 
Hypertension 
Hyperlipidaemia 
Connective Tissue Disorders 
Inflammatory Disorders `
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4
Q

What are some Connective Tissue Disorders?

A

Marfan’s Syndrome

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

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5
Q

What are some Inflammatory Disorders?

A

Behcet’s Disease

Takayasu’s Arteritis

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6
Q

What are the presenting symptoms of unruptured AAA?

A

NO Symptoms
Usually an incidental finding
May have pain in the back, abdomen, loin or groin

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7
Q

What are the presenting symptoms of ruptured AAA?

A

Pain in the abdomen, back or loin
Pain may be sudden or severe
Syncope
Shock

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8
Q

What does the degree of shock depend on in ruptured AAA?

A

Site of Rupture

Whether it is contained

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9
Q

What are the signs of AAA on physical examination?

A

Pulsatile and laterally expansile mass on bimanual palpation of the abdominal aorta
Abdominal bruit
Retroperitoneal haemorrhage can cause Grey-Turner’s sign

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10
Q

What bloods would you do for AAA?

A
FBC
Clotting Screen
Renal Function
Liver Function
Cross-match if surgery is planned
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11
Q

What scans would you do for AAA?

A

US - can detect aneurysm but can’t tell whether it is leaking or not
CT with Contrast - can show whether an aneurysm has ruptured
MRI angiography

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