A 59-year-old man has an asymptomatic 5.8 cm infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm found on ultrasound. What is the appropriate management?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Referral to vascular surgery for elective repair
- Step 1: Aneurysms of 5.5 cm or more should be considered for repair.
- Step 2: NICE advises referral for elective repair at 5.5 cm or above.
Answer
Referral to vascular surgery for elective repair.
Why not the others: Aspirin 75 mg and discharge to the care of the GP: Aspirin does not address rupture risk. Reassurance and no follow-up as he has no symptoms at all: No follow-up is unsafe. Annual ultrasound surveillance alone, whatever the size of the aneurysm: Surveillance applies to smaller aneurysms.
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