MIMS Education

Aortic Aneurysms: Keeping Watch Before They Rupture

Aortic Aneurysms: Keeping Watch Before They Rupture

CardiologyInternal MedicineEmergency MedicineFamily MedicineGeneral Practice
A badge with ribbon in color black Point(s): 1 | An analog clock in color black 1 hour | A black calendar with white triangle in center that has a black exclamation point in the middle 15 Nov 2022 

Overview

About this course

An aortic aneurysm (AA) is a balloon-like bulge in the aorta. Most aneurysms are silent; however, it can turn into a deadly medical emergency if it ruptures. Early detection and management are thus imperative. This module provides a brief overview of AA, discusses who are at risk and needs screening, and offers some interventions to prevent development or worsening of AA.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the educational activity, health care providers should be able to:
  • Determine why AAs can be deadly if left untreated
  • Identify the signs that might alert the presence of an AA, and practical ways that could prevent this “silent killer” from reaching the point of rupture

Topics covered

  • Overview of AA – introduction, types of AA
  • Diagnosing AA
    • Risk population
    • Imaging tools for screening and diagnosis
  • Interventions
    • Lifestyle changes
    • Smoking cessation
    • Pharmacologic interventions to manage cardiovascular risk
    • Surveillance
    • Surgical options

1 CPD Point Available