Aneurysm of abdominal aorta; risk of rupture if greater than 5.5 centimetres
Expansion
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Purpose
Diagnosed on ultrasound, computed tomography; rupture is surgical emergency
Clinical Context
Abdominal aortic aneurysm risk factors include smoking, male, age greater than 65, family history. Ultrasound screening recommended age 65 to 75 smokers or former smokers. Rupture mortality 50 to 80 percent.
Related Terms
- Aortic dissection
- Vascular pathology
Key Points
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm greater than 5.5 centimetres or rapidly enlarging (less than 5.5 centimetres) equals surgery; less than 4 centimetres equals no intervention, ultrasound follow-up