Abdominal aortic aneurysm physical examination: Difference between revisions

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Revision as of 01:33, 28 October 2012

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]

Overview

Physical examination has a low sensitivity in the detection of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (29-61% for AAAs 3.0-3.9 cm in diameter) but has a sensitivity of 76-82% to detect those abdominal aortic aneurysms that are 5.0 cm or larger. It is easier to detect a pulsatile mass in thin patients and those who do not have tense abdomens. Contrary to popular belief, gentle palpation of AAAs is safe, and does not precipitate rupture.

Physical Examination

Abdomen

Palpation

A palpable abdominal mass may be

Auscultation

Abdominal bruits can be present in case of renal or visceral arterial stenosis.

References

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@@ Line 3: / Line 3: @@
 {{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}
-=== Physical Examination ===
+==Overview==
-* The physical examination may miss a substantial number of asymptomatic AAAs
+Physical examination has a low sensitivity in the detection of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (29-61% for AAAs 3.0-3.9 cm in diameter) but has a sensitivity of 76-82% to detect those abdominal aortic aneurysms that are 5.0 cm or larger.  It is easier to detect a pulsatile mass in thin patients and those who do not have tense abdomens. Contrary to popular belief, gentle palpation of AAAs is safe, and does not precipitate rupture.
-* The abdominal aorta should be checked during regular physical examinations because it is easy to do and may detect a life-threatening aneurysm.
-* The sensitivity of physical examination increases with the size of the aneurysm:
+==Physical Examination==
-*:* 29-61% for AAAs 3.0-3.9 cm in diameter
+=== Abdomen===
-*:* 76-82% for those AAAs 5.0 cm or larger
+==== Palpation====
-* Generally, it is easier to detect a pulsatile mass in thin patients and those who do not have tense abdomens.
+A palpable abdominal mass may be
-* Contrary to popular belief, gentle palpation of AAAs is safe, and does not precipitate rupture.
+====Auscultation====
-On physical examination, a palpable abdominal mass can be noted. Bruits can be present in case of renal or visceral arterial stenosis.
+[[Abdominal bruits]] can be present in case of renal or visceral arterial stenosis.