Questions and Answers
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
What are common causes of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Hypertension, atherosclerosis, infection, congenital weakening of connective tissue, trauma
What is the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Common in men ages 40-70
Which of the following are symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm? (Select all that apply)
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Which of the following are diagnostic tests for abdominal aortic aneurysm? (Select all that apply)
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What are the treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysm?
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Study Notes
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Overview
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by an abnormal bulging of the aorta in the abdominal region.
- Aneurysms larger than 5 cm have a significantly increased risk of rupture.
Etiology
- The exact cause of AAA remains unspecified.
- Hypertension (HT) and atherosclerosis are major contributing factors.
- Infections and congenital weaknesses in the artery wall's connective tissue can lead to aneurysm development.
- Trauma may also be a potential cause.
Incidence
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms are predominantly found in men aged 40 to 70 years.
Symptoms
- A pulsating sensation within the abdomen may indicate an AAA.
- Severe, sudden, and persistent abdominal pain can radiate to the groin, buttocks, or legs.
- Symptoms may include abdominal rigidity, lower back pain, pallor, tachycardia, and clammy skin.
- The presence of an abdominal mass and a blowing murmur or whooshing sound (bruit) can be detected upon examination.
Diagnostic Tests
- Common diagnostic approaches include abdominal ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, angiography of the aorta, and abdominal surgery for direct evaluation.
Treatment Options
- For small, asymptomatic aneurysms, annual ultrasounds are recommended for monitoring.
- Surgical intervention is necessary for symptomatic aneurysms.
- Antihypertensive medications may be prescribed to control blood pressure.
- Analgesics can be provided to manage pain.
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Description
Test your knowledge on abdominal aortic aneurysms with these informative flashcards. Learn about the definitions, causes, and risk factors associated with this vascular condition. Perfect for medical students or anyone interested in vascular health.
