Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

What is an aortic aneurysm?

Answer 1

Dilatation of the ALL the aortic layers, leading to a 50% increase in diameter (abdominal aorta > 3.5 cm)

Question 2

Aetiology:

Answer 2

• Atheroma
• Degenerative disease
• Infection (mycotic aneurysm in endocarditis)
• Connective tissue disorder (Marfan’s syndrome)

Question 3

Risk factors:

Answer 3

• Family history
• Male sex
• Age
• Smoking
• Hypertension

Question 4

Aortic aneurysm has a prevalence of __% in the UK

Answer 4

3%

Question 5

How are asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) found?

Answer 5

By screening programs using an abdominal ULTRASOUND scan (at age 65) or random unrelated imaging

Question 6

State the 4 outcomes of screening.

Answer 6

1 - Normal aorta = Discharged
2 - Small AAA (3.0 - 4.4 cm) = Invited for annual USS scans
3 - Medium AAA (4.5 - 5.5 cm)= 3 monthly USS scans
4 - Large AAA ( >5.5 cm)

Question 7

Symptoms of aortic aneurysm:

Answer 7

Impending rupture: Abdominal pain radiating to the back, resulting to back pain. There may also be pain in the loin and groin.

Question 8

Signs of aortic aneurysm:

Answer 8

Rupture: Hypo-perfusion, hypotension, painful pulsing sensation