aneurysms (abdominal aortic )

Question 1

what is an aneurysm?

Answer 1

Localised enlargement (swelling) of an artery caused by a weakening of the vessel wall

They can be classified by being true or false, and by the site

Question 2

what is true aneurysms?

Answer 2

dilation of all 3 layers of the arterial wall

There are two types; Saccular and fusiform

Question 3

what is a true aneurysm associated with?

Answer 3

Hypertension
Infection
Atherosclerosis
Trauma
Smoking
Collagen abnormalities (such as Marfan’s)

Question 4

what is a false aneurysm?

Answer 4

Rupture of the aorta wall with the haematoma (blood collection) either contained by the thin adventitial layer or the surrounding soft tissue.

Question 5

what is a false aneurysm associated with?

Answer 5

Inflammation (such as endocarditis)
Bruit
Trauma
Pulsatile mass
Iatrogenic
Ischemia
Thrill

Question 6

what is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Answer 6

swelling of the aorta in the abdominal region

Question 7

who are the 5 groups at risk?

Answer 7

Men > 65 years old

Elderly

Smokers

Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease (COAD)

Genetic factors

Question 8

what are the causes of abdominal aortic aneurysms?

Answer 8

Connective Tissue Disorder
Atheroma
Trauma
Infection
Inflammation
Degenerative disease

Question 9

what are the symptoms and signs?

Answer 9

Abdominal pain (which is sudden, intense and can be intermittent or continuous) and radiates to the back or legs, and may feel like a tearing sensation

Sweatiness

Clamminess

Dizziness

Nausea

Vomiting

Hypotension

Collapse

Expandable Abdominal Mass

Question 10

what investigations are used to diagnose an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Answer 10

CT

CTA/MRA

Cardiopulmonary Exercise Tests (CPEX)

Ultrasound of Abdomen

Pulmonary Function Tests

MPS

ECG

ECHO

FBC

Question 10

what are the treatments?

Answer 10

Surgery (if aneurysm is >5.5cm); Open Repair (6 weeks recovery)

Stenting (EVAR-Endovascular Aneurysm Repair) (2 weeks recovery)