MSRA: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Question 1

What is the screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysms?

Answer 1

One off abdominal ultrasound scan to men at the age of 65
If normal - no follow up. Greater than 3cm is abnormal
If up to 4.5cm - annual follow-up
If up to .5.5cm - 3 monthly follow-up

Question 2

What are the risk factors for aortic aneurysm?

Answer 2

Connective tissue disease
Smoking
Hypertension
Hyperlipidaemia
Family history
Increasing age
NOT DIABETES **

Question 2

What are the clinical features of aortic aneurysm?

Answer 2

Many are asymptomatic
Can present as abdominal pain, back or flank pain, distal embolisation
May have a pulsatile mass - feel above the umbilicus (L3/L4) for infra-renal AAA

Question 3

What are the appropriate investigations in aortic aneurysm?

Answer 3

Abdominal ultrasound scan

CT

Question 5

What are the management options in aortic aneurysm?

Answer 5

Conservative: stop smoking, weight loss and exercise
Medical: control of blood pressure, statin and anti-platelet therapy
Surgical repair: open or EVAR

Question 6

What are the indications for surgical repair of abdominal aorta aneurysm?

Answer 6

5.5cm+ in diameter
Symptomatic
Expanding >1cm a year