Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

Risk factors for aortic aneurysm

Answer 1

• male
• age > 55
• smoking
• COPD
• hypertension
• existing vascular disease
• family history

Question 2

Pathophysiology of aortic aneurysm

Answer 2

1. underlying atherosclerosis
2. ongoing dilatations
3. pre-existing hypertension & weakening wall = **eventual rupture **

Question 3

Clinical features of ruptured aortic aneurysm

Answer 3

• pain (radiating to back)
• tachycardia
• hypotension
• shock
• distal ischaemia
• death

Question 4

Investigating suspected aortic aneurysm rupture

Answer 4

• FAST USS or bedside USS
• CT angiogram

Question 5

Managing rupture aortic aneurysm

Answer 5

1. Stabilise & Assess
   - ABCDE
   - rapid diagnostic assessment (USS, CT angiography)
2. Surgery
   - open-surgical repair
   - endovascular aneurysm repair

Question 6

Screening for aortic aneurysms

Answer 6

Males, single USS at 65 years

Question 7

Aortic aneurysm < 3cm found on screening

Answer 7

• normal
• do nothing

Question 8

Aortic aneurysm 3-4.4cm found on screening

Answer 8

• small
• rescan at 12 months

Question 9

Aortic aneurysm 4.5-5.5cm found on screening

Answer 9

• medium
• rescan at 3 months

Question 10

Aortic aneurysm > 5.5cm found on screening

Answer 10

• urgent referral to vascular surgeons for repair

Question 11

Aortic aneurysm increased size between screening USS

Answer 11

• urgent referral to vascular surgery for repair