aortic aneurysms

Question 1

what screening is in place for AAA?

Answer 1

a single USS offered to all en >65 in uk

Question 2

what diameter of the abdominal aorta is considered aneurysmal?

Answer 2

fter the age of 50 years the normal diameter of the infrarenal aorta is 1.5cm in females and 1.7cm in males. Diameters of 3cm and greater, are considered aneurysmal.

Question 3

what is the definition of aneurysm?

Answer 3

permanent and irreversible localized dilation of a blood vessel to at least 50% more than its (expected) normal diameter

Question 4

what is ectasia?

Answer 4

permanent and irreversible localised) dilation of less than 150% of the normal (expected) diameter

Question 5

what is arteriomegaly?

Answer 5

diffuse arterial enlargement without discrete aneurysm formation

Question 6

where do most aneurysms occur?

Answer 6

Infra-renal abdominal aorta >90%

but can also get…
Aortic arch
Thoracic aorta
Supra-renal abdominal aorta

Question 7

is AAA more common in men or women?

Answer 7

MEN

Male to Female ratio 4:1

M:F = 2:1 in familial aneurysms

Question 8

what is the pathophysiology of AAA

Answer 8

• degradation of the tunica media by means of a proteolytic process (matrix metaloproteases )
  seems to be the basic pathophysiologic mechanism of AAA development

58% lower elastin content in the infra-renal aorta that’s why this is a common location

Question 9

What is the result of a ruptured AAA?

Answer 9

• Rupture may result in pain in the abdomen or back,
• low blood pressure, or loss of consciousness,
• tachycardia
• and often results in death. (90%)

Question 10

what is the operative mortality of AAA?

Answer 10

40%

Question 11

what are risks of AAA?

Answer 11

can be a source of emboli