- Dilatation of abdominal aorta > 3cm in diameter
- Male, smoking, age > 65
- Less powerful RFs: hypertension, hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis elsewhere
- Upper abd/vague umbilical pain, radiating to back
- Profound hypotenision/other sx hypoperfusion if leaking/ruptured→ rapid demise if not identified/fixed
- Most commonly, AAA are asymptomatic and detected either by screening or at time of rupture (when symptoms occur)
- Can be ill appearing if significant pain or volume loss
- Tachycardia and hypotension if volume loss
- Epigastric/mid abdominal pain
- AAA sometimes palpable in non-obese, asymptomatic patients
- Ultrasound excellent for detecting asymptomatic AAA, recommended for males (in particular), age 65-75, smoker
- CT scan also excellent for identifying: asymptomatic or leaking/rupturing