aneurysm

Question 1

what is an aneurysm?

Answer 1

-an artery with dilatation >150% increase in normal diameter (1.2-2cm)

Question 2

common sites of aneurysm?

Answer 2

• aorta
• iliac
• femoral
• popliteal

Question 3

risks of developing an aneurysm?

Answer 3

• hypertension
• hypercholesterolemia
• diabetes
• cardiac disease
• PVD
• smoking
• family history
• male

Question 4

symptoms of unruptured AAA?

Answer 4

• often asymptomatic

- abdominal/back pain

Question 5

symptoms of ruptured AAA?

Answer 5

• intermittent or continuous abdominal pain (radiates to back, iliac, fossae or groins)
• collapse
• expansile abdominal mass

Question 6

investigations?

Answer 6

• USS

- CT with contrast (only method to identify ruptured aneurysms)

Question 7

complications of ruptured AAA?

Answer 7

mortality 75-90%

Question 8

when should an elective surgical repair be considered?

Answer 8

> 5.5cm

rate of exansion >1cm/year

Question 9

treatmenkt for ruptured AAA?

Answer 9

emergency surgical repair