What should be the focus of history in suspected abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs)?

Answer

As noted (see Etiology), patients at greatest risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are those who are older than 65 years and have peripheral atherosclerotic vascular disease. Accordingly, a history of smoking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and hypertension is often elicited. Less frequent causes include Marfan and Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, collagen vascular diseases, and mycotic aneurysm. Patients who have a first-degree relative with AAA are at increased risk.

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Media Gallery

Radiograph shows calcification of abdominal aorta. Left wall is clearly depicted and appears aneurysmal; however, right wall overlies spine.
On radiography, lateral view clearly shows calcification of both walls of abdominal aortic aneurysm, allowing diagnosis to be made with certainty.
CT demonstrates abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Aneurysm was noted during workup for back pain, and CT was ordered after AAA was identified on radiography. No evidence of rupture is seen.
Arteriography demonstrates infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. This arteriogram was obtained in preparation for endovascular repair of aneurysm.
Lateral arteriogram demonstrates infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. Demonstration of superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and celiac artery on lateral arteriogram is important for complete evaluation of extent of aneurysm.
Arteriogram after successful endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Ultrasonogram from patient with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This aneurysm was best visualized on transverse or axial image. Patient underwent conventional AAA repair.
MRI of 77-year-old man with leg pain believed to be secondary to degenerative disk disease. During evaluation, abdominal aortic aneurysm was discovered.
Age is risk factor for development of aneurysm.
Inflammation, thinning of media, and marked loss of elastin.
Pulsatile abdominal mass.
Aneurysm with retroperitoneal fibrosis and adhesion of duodenum.
Aortic endoprosthesis (Cook aortic and aortobi-iliac endograft).
Endoaneurysmorrhaphy
Endovascular grafts.
Atheroemboli from small abdominal aortic aneurysms produce livedo reticularis of feet (ie, blue toe syndrome).
Enhanced spiral CT scans with multiplanar reconstruction and CT angiogram.
Angiography is used to diagnose renal area. In this instance, endoleak represented continued pressurization of sac.

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Author

Saum A Rahimi, MD, FACS Interim Chief, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Saum A Rahimi, MD, FACS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, Society for Vascular Surgery, Eastern Vascular Society, Vascular Society of New Jersey

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Vincent Lopez Rowe, MD Professor of Surgery, Program Director, Vascular Surgery Residency, Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Vincent Lopez Rowe, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Surgical Association, Pacific Coast Surgical Association, Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, Society for Vascular Surgery, Western Vascular Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Suman Annambhotla, MD Fellow in Vascular Surgery, Northwestern University, The Feinberg School of Medicine

Suman Annambhotla, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association, Association for Academic Surgery, and Society for Vascular Surgery