Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm

ABDOMINAL AORTA ANEURYSM 1)permanent localized dilatation of abdominal aorta more than 50% of its normal diameter. 2)AP diameter > 3 cm 3)M:F – 4:1 4)Risk factors: – males, familial, smoking, hypertension, hyperlipidemia Etiology: – 1)atherosclerotic 2)genetic (EDS) 3)cystic medial necrosis (Marfan’s) 4)arteritis 5)mycotic, infective (syphilis) Clinical features: – 1)most are asymptomatic 2)incidentally detected on imaging studies 3)abdominal pain radiating to back, flank, groin 4)nausea, vomiting, easy satiety 5)venous thrombosis 6)distal embolisation 7)flank and groin pain – hydronephrosis 8)rupture – shock, organ hypo – perfusion and failure and abdominal distension 9)hemetemesis, malena – aorto – enteric fistula 10)abdominal bruit. Investigations: – 1)USG abdomen 2)CT abdomen, angiography 3)MRI abdomen Treatment: – 1)surgical repair – benefits 5 – 5.5 cm aneurysms 2)endovascular stent – anchored grafts 3)rupture of aneurysm – emergency!! – 90% mortality.