Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Overview

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the abdominal aorta, most commonly occurring below the renal arteries.

Risk Factors

Important risk factors include age, smoking, male sex, family history, and atherosclerotic disease.

Clinical Features

Many AAAs are asymptomatic and detected incidentally or through screening.

Sudden abdominal or back pain with hypotension in a patient with a known or suspected aneurysm suggests rupture.

Suspected ruptured AAA is a time-critical vascular emergency.

Investigation & Management

Ultrasound is widely used for detection and surveillance, while CT angiography is commonly used for detailed anatomy and preoperative planning.

Management depends on aneurysm size, growth, symptoms, and anatomy and may involve surveillance or repair.

Clinical Pearls