Question

Say pt presents with no hypotension or pulsatile ab mass but AA is suspected bc of hx of syncope and ab pain

what is the workup

Answer 1

The workup for a suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AA) in a patient presenting with no hypotension or pulsatile abdominal mass, but with a history of syncope and abdominal pain typically includes physical examination, diagnostic imaging (such as abdominal ultrasound), and potentially further imaging or tests (such as CT scan or MRI).

Step-by-step explanation:

The workup for a suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AA) in a patient presenting with no hypotension or pulsatile abdominal mass, but with a history of syncope and abdominal pain, typically includes:

1. Physical examination: The healthcare provider will perform a thorough physical examination, paying attention to the abdomen, pulses, blood pressure, and specific findings associated with AA.
2. Diagnostic imaging: The primary imaging modality used to confirm the presence of an AA is an abdominal ultrasound. This non-invasive test allows visualization of the abdominal aorta and can accurately measure the size of the aneurysm.
3. Further imaging or tests: Depending on the findings of the abdominal ultrasound, additional imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be ordered to gather more information about the aneurysm.

It's important to note that the workup for a suspected AA should always be conducted by a qualified healthcare professional, as they will consider the patient's specific symptoms, medical history, and individual risk factors to guide the appropriate diagnostic approach.