Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are uncommon and difficult to diagnose, but they are also life-threatening surgical emergencies and as such the GP should always have a low threshold for suspicion and admission. In contrast, many patients have small asymptomatic aneurysms, often diagnosed by chance during investigations for other illnesses. This article aims to look at both surveillance and treatment of the asymptomatic AAA and the emergency management of the rupturing AAA.
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