Central/Lower Abdominal Pain

Question 1

How is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) defined?

Answer 1

Dilated of the abdominal aorta with a diameter greater than 3cm.

Question 2

At what age are all men in the UK offered an ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?

Answer 2

65

Question 3

What signs and symptoms indicate abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)? (2)

Answer 3

Non-specific abdominal pain
Pulsation and expansive mass felt on palpation with both hands

Question 4

How are abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) classified by size? (4)

Answer 4

Normal: <3cm
Small: 3 - 4.4cm
Medium: 4.5 - 5.4cm
Large: >5.5cm

Question 5

What are the NICE criteria for elective repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)? (3)

Answer 5

Symptomatic aneurysm
Aneurysm with a diameter that is growing more than 1cm per year
Aneurysms with a diameter >5.5cm

Question 6

Describe the presentation of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). (2)

Answer 6

-Severe abdominal pain (radiating to the back and/or groin)
-Haemodynamic instability (hypotension, tachycardia, pulsating and expansive mass in abdomen, collapse, loss of consciousness).