What are AAA guidelines?

The USPSTF recommends 1-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked.

What are CS risk factors for AAA?

Smoking appears to be the risk factor most strongly associated with AAA. In addition to increasing age and male sex, other factors include increased height, weight, body mass index, and body surface area.

How large can an AAA get before surgical intervention is recommended?

The larger an aneurysm is, the greater the chances are that it will rupture. It is estimated that an abdominal aortic aneurysm that is over 5.5 cm in diameter will rupture within one year in about 3 to 6 out of 100 men. That’s why surgery is often recommended.

When do you refer to vascular surgery for AAA?

We recommend referral to a vascular surgeon at time of diagnosis of any AAA. Specific features that may prompt repair include: saccular morphology, size > 5cm in females, size > 5.5cm in males, or any symptoms such as back or abdominal pain or emboli to lower extremities that could be attributed to the AAA.

What is the AAA screening?

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening is a way of checking if there’s a bulge or swelling in the aorta, the main blood vessel that runs from your heart down through your tummy. This bulge or swelling is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA.

How is AAA measured?

Abdominal Ultrasound (US): Ultrasound is a highly accurate way to measure the size of an aneurysm. A physician may also use a special technique called Doppler ultrasound to examine blood flow through the aorta.

What are the criteria for surgical intervention of an AAA?

Guidelines for surgical intervention include: Aneurysm size > 5 cm (about 2 inches) Aneurysm growth rate 0.5 cm (slightly less than 1/4 inch) over a period of six months to one year. Patient’s ability to tolerate the procedure.

When should AAA be operated?

Surgery is commonly advised if you develop an AAA larger than 5.5cm in maximum diameter (about 5 cm in women). For these larger aneurysms the risk of rupture is usually higher than the risk of surgery. If you have a family history of ruptured aneurysm; surgery is also likely to be advised.

Who is eligible for AAA screening?

AAA screening is offered to men during the screening year (1 April to 31 March) that they turn 65. Men aged 65 and over are most at risk of AAAs, and screening can help spot a swelling in the aorta at an early stage.

Who should be screened for AAA?

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association jointly recommend 1-time screening for AAA with physical examination and ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked or in men 60 years or older who are the sibling or offspring of a person with AAA.