Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Discussion:

Abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA 1 is a pathological enlargement of the abdominal aorta to a diameter of 3.0 cm which is generally detected incidentally on imaging. Most cases of AAA are asymptomatic, and patients typically present with symptoms when rupture occurs. Rupture is more likely with a rapid rate of progression (1-2cm/year) and an aneurysm size of >5.5 cm. Approximately 30% of asymptomatic AAAs are discovered as a pulsatile mass on routine physical examination 2. Management for small to moderate size AAA include surveillance with serial abdominal ultrasound and lifestyle modification (including smoking cessation). Medical therapy with beta blockade is also an option. Definitive treatment include elective repair for asymptomatic aneurysm (>5.5 cm), and emergent repair for symptomatic patients.

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