■ Asymptomatic aneurysms can be scheduled for repair based on aneurysm
size and patient comorbidities.
■ Endovascular repair with stent graft is increasingly used.
COMPLICATIONS
■ Rupture
■ Atheroembolism:Microembolifrom atherosclerotic aneurysms
■ Lodge in distalsmall vessels
■ “Blue toe syndrome”is classic presentation.
■ Can also occur from nonaneurysmal atherosclerotic plaques
CARDIOVASCULAR EMERGENCIESFIGURE 2.15. Transabdominal ultrasound showing 6-cm AAA.
FIGURE 2.16. Contrast-enhanced abdominal CT showing large AAA with rupture.
(Courtesy of Matthew J. Fleishman, MD, Radiology Imaging Associates. Englewood, Colorado.)