Aortic Aneurysms Flashcards
definition of abdominal aortic aneurysm
localised enlargement of abdominal aorta such that the diameter is greater than 3cm or 50% greater in diameter than usual.
normal diameter for abdominal aorta
2cm
where do AAA’s usually occur and what is it specifically called
below the renal arteries; known as infrarenal aneurysms
aetiology
no specific cause. severe atherosclerotic damage to vessel wall
risk factors
age, male sex, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, smoking, family Hx, connective tissue disorders, inflammatory diseases
what connective tissue disorders puts someone at risk for developing AAA
ehlers-danlos syndrome, Marfans syndrome
what inflammatory disorders puts someone at risk for developing AAA
Behcets disease and takayasus arteritis
difference between males and females
higher prevalence among males but grater chance of rupturing among females
presenting symptoms of an UNRUPTURED aneurysm
NO SYMPTOMS
Usually an incidental finding
May have pain in the back, abdomen, loin or groin
how does a RUPTURED aneurysm present
Pain in the abdomen, back or loin Pain may be sudden or severe Syncope (hypotension) Shock NOTE: degree of shock depends on site of rupture and whether it is contained
loss of consciousness,
fever,
palpable pulsatile mass in abdomen
upon abdominal examination, what signs do you expect to find
abdominal pulsatile, palpable mass
abdominal bruit,
retroperitoneal haemorrhage causing Grey-Turners sign
grey turners sign
bruising of the flanks or discolouration
investigations for AAA
bloods and scan
bloods for AAA?
FBC, clotting screen, renal and liver function tests
do a cross match if operating
scans
abdominal ultrasound, CT and MRI angiography
