Study Guide for Final Exam
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
1. Know the causes of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. P493
proposed causes of AAA include atherosclerosis, inflammation, mycotic infection, inheritable
connective tissue disorders (Marfan syndrome, type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome), and trauma.
atherosclerosis has been considered the most common cause of AAA and the known cause in
25% of all AAA.
2. Understand risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm. P494
Development of AAA: Atherosclerotic vascular disease, white race, male gender, advanced age, HTN,
smoking, COPD, history of hernias, family history of AAA, and presence of other aneurysms.
Hypercholesterolemia
AAA expansion: Advanced age, Severe cardiac disease, Previous stroke, Tobacco use, Cardiac or renal
transplant.
AAA rupture: Female gender, Low FEV1, Larger initial AAA diameter, Higher mean blood pressure,
Current tobacco use, Cardiac or renal transplant, Critical wall stress–wall strength relationship
AAA is an important clinical diagnosis because it is associated with considerable risk of rupture
and death as the aneurysm enlarges to a diameter of more than 5.0cm (1.96 inches).
Evidence suggests that the high prevalence of AAA in patients with COPD may be related to medications
(oral steroids) and coexisting diseases rather than to a common pathway of pathogenesis involving
plasma elastase or α1-antitrypsin deficiency
AAA and elevated homocysteine plasma levels.
AAA represent 75% of aortic aneurysms
3. Know the symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
AAA may cause symptoms as a result of the pressure on surrounding structures, about 75% are
asymptomatic at initial diagnosis.
Symptoms:
Symptomatic aneurysms increase in number after the age of 70years.
In thin patients, a supine abdominal examination may readily show a pulsatile abdominal mass,