AAA

Question 1

define AAA

Answer 1

localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta such that the diameter is >3cm or >50% larger than the normal diameter

Question 2

what is the cause of an AAA?

Answer 2

there is no specific cause

Question 3

what are the major risk factors for an AAA?

Answer 3

• severe atherosclerotic damage to the aortic wall
• family history
• smoking
• male
• age
• hypertension
• hyperlipidemia
• connective tissue disorder such as marfans
• inflammatory disorders such as Behcet’s disease

Question 4

what is the presenting complaint of a unruptured AAA?

Answer 4

• no symptoms
• it can be an incidental finding
• there could be a pain in the back, arm, or loin/groin

Question 5

what is the presenting complaint of a ruptured AAA?

Answer 5

• there could be a pain in the abdomen (epigastric), back or loin
• pain can be sudden and severe
• syncope
• shock

Question 6

what are the signs of AAA on examination?

Answer 6

• pulsatile and lateral expansile mass on palpation of the abdominal aorta.
• auscultation of an abdominal bruit
• Retroperitoneal hemorrhage can cause Grey-Turner’s sign

Question 7

what investigations should be carried out for AAA?

Answer 7

Bloods
 - FBC, clotting, renal and liver function 
Scans
 - USS to detect the aneurysm 
- CT with contrast to check for rupture 
- MRI angiography