Educational draft · awaiting clinical review Use Rapid for revision, not patient-care decisions. Check current national and local guidance and the BNF or BNFC before acting.
Rapid
Small aneurysm surveillance Essential points for quick revision.
2 min synopsis UK scope Sources checked 12 Sept 2026 Clinical review pending
Rapid SYNOPSIS Full textbook COMPLETE 2 questions Sources Synopsis Apply England ultrasound surveillance intervals, recognise growth or symptoms, and reduce cardiovascular risk during observation.
England screens small AAA 3.0–4.4 cm with ultrasound every 12 months. England screens medium AAA 4.5–5.4 cm with ultrasound every three months. At least 5.5 cm or growth over 1 cm yearly triggers vascular referral without delay. Key red flags Symptom conversion New abdominal or back pain in a patient with known AAA requires urgent vascular assessment rather than waiting for the next scan.
Investigation priorities 01 Serial aortic ultrasound First step Track aneurysm diameter using a reproducible low-risk method
Management branches Surveillance route Stable asymptomatic aneurysm A reproducible programme ultrasound remains below the referral threshold
Confirm the maximum AP inner-to-inner diameter and prior imaging method. Schedule 12-month ultrasound for 3.0–4.4 cm or three-month ultrasound for 4.5–5.4 cm. Sources and review status 4 sources · checked 12 Sept 2026 · clinical review pending + Sources Sources and review status National guidance is shown before implementation-dependent detail. Apply principles in context and verify current guidance when a decision affects care. Source check completed 12 Sept 2026; clinical approval remains outstanding.
Authoring state Rapid draftClinical state Awaiting reviewJurisdiction United Kingdom