Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture

Question 1

Risk factors for AAA

Answer 1

Smoking, hypertension, syphilis, connective tissue diseases

Question 2

When does US screening start

Answer 2

65 years for males - single US abdomen

Question 3

Outcome when aneurysms are >5.5cm

Answer 3

Refer within 2 weeks to vascular surgery for probable interventrion.

Question 4

Outcome when aneurysm is 4.5-5.4cm

Answer 4

Rescan every 3 months

Question 5

High rupture risks

Answer 5

Symptomatic, diameter >5.5 or rapidly enlarging (1cm/year)

Question 6

How are AAA treated

Answer 6

Elective endovascular repair or open repair. Stent is placed into abdominal aorta to prevent blood from collecting in aneurysm

Question 7

Presentations of ruptured AAA

Answer 7

Catestrophic with sudden collapse or sub-acute with persistent severe central abdominal pain with developing shock

Question 8

Features of ruptured AAA

Answer 8

Severe central abdominal pain radiating to the back, pulsatile, expansile mass in abdomen, signs of shock or may have collapsed

Question 9

Management of ruptured AAA

Answer 9

Immediate vascular review and may be sent straight to theatre