Radiology · Vascular and Cardiac Imaging (CT Angiography, Coronary, Aortic, Doppler)

On a CT aortogram, an aortic diameter of 5.8 cm at the infrarenal level is found in a 67-year-old man. The threshold for elective surgical or endovascular repair of an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men is:

  • A ≥4.0 cm
  • B ≥4.5 cm
  • C ≥5.5 cm
  • D ≥6.5 cm
Correct answer: C. ≥5.5 cm

Explanation

Current guidelines (Society for Vascular Surgery, ESVS) recommend elective AAA repair when the diameter is ≥5.5 cm in men, as this threshold is where annual rupture risk (~10%) exceeds operative mortality. In women, the threshold is ≥5.0 cm given faster growth rates. Aneurysms 4.0–5.4 cm require surveillance (6-monthly or annual CT/ultrasound). Emergency repair is required for symptomatic or ruptured AAA regardless of size.

Reference: Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology, 7th ed.

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