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Abdominal aortic aneurysm: an illustrated narrative review
Colin M Crawford1, Kristin Hurtgen-Grace, Ernest Talarico
1Medical Centre, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. ccrawfor@ozemail.com.au
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|April 22, 2003
Summary
Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) can present as back pain and should be considered in older males with risk factors. Chiropractors should refer patients with suspected AAA for imaging and vascular surgical evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Primary Care Medicine
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Back pain is a common, yet often overlooked, presenting symptom of AAA.
- Early detection and intervention are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a descriptive review of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
- To outline risk factors and case-finding strategies for AAA relevant to chiropractors.
- To emphasize the role of primary contact health care practitioners in AAA detection.
Main Methods:
- A selective narrative review of the clinical and scientific literature.
- Literature search conducted using MEDLINE and citation tracking.
- Synthesis of findings to inform chiropractors about AAA.
Main Results:
- AAA can be asymptomatic, with back pain being a frequent sign.
- Key risk factors include male gender, advanced age, smoking, hypertension, COPD, claudication, and family history.
- Prevalence in older males is 3-5%; rupture is a significant cause of mortality in this demographic.
Conclusions:
- AAA must be considered in the differential diagnosis of older patients with low back pain and identified risk factors.
- Chiropractors, as primary contact practitioners, should refer patients with suspected AAA for imaging.
- Timely referral for imaging and vascular surgical consultation is essential for patients with suspected AAA.