Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Is a localised enlargement/ dilation or bulging of the abdominal section of the aorta. It occurs when the walls of the aorta weaken, causing it to expand.
AAA - can be life threatening

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Pulsating abdominal mass - a bulge in the abdomen (can be missed if the patient is over weight)
Abdominal or back pain
Sudden, severe pain
Hypotension and shock - if ruptures

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Prevalence increases with age
More common in males - 4:1
Affects 1-2% of men over 65

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

65+
Can occur in young people - family history of aneurysms or genetic conditions - Marfan syndrome

Question 5

Risk

Answer 5

Smoking,
Age - 65+
Male
Family history
Hypertension
Atherosclerosis
Genetic disorders - Marfan syndrome

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Asymptomatic - discovered incidentally

Symptomatic -
Pain - dull or throbbing - abdominal or back
Palpable mass

Signs of rupture - sudden severe pain, dizziness, fainting, shock

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Size dependent - larger - higher risk of rupture
Surgery
High mortality if ruptured