EM Clerkship

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

09.02.2018 - By Zack Olson, MD and Michael Estephan, MDPlay

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Kidney Stones are a Diagnosis of Exclusion!!!

History

* Risk factors* Age >60* Tobacco use* Classic presentations* Stable with sudden flank/back/abdominal pain or syncope* Unstable with pallor, hypotension, and ill appearance

Exam

* Pulsatile abdominal mass* Unstable vitals

Testing Plan

* Labs* TYPE AND SCREEN* CBC* Electrolytes* Coagulation studies* Lactic acid* Imaging* Bedside ultrasound (optimal)* Aorta protocol* Look for aorta >3cm* RUSH protocol* Mnemonic: HI-MAP* Heart* IVC* Morrisons Pouch (RUQ)* Aorta* Pulmonary* CT scan with IV contrast (less optimal)

Treatment Plan

* 2 Large bore IVs (16G)* Massive transfusion protocol* PRBCs* Platelets* Fresh Frozen Plasma* Blood pressure management* Goal Systolic ~100* Goal MAP ~60-65

Clerkship Pearls

* Put AAA in your differential during your presentation for all older patients with back/flank pain* Attempt to perform a bedside ultrasound of the aorta OR find recent CT of the abdomen with normal sized aorta

Additional Reading

* Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Review (Medscape)

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