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Title: A new scale to aid in diagnosing AAA?

Category: Cardiology

Keywords: Aaa (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/7/2024 by Robert Flint, MD (Updated: 3/3/2026)

This study tried to expand upon what they describe as the classic triad of signs to diagnose ruptured AAA “(1) abdominal pain, (2) hypotension and (3) a pulsatile abdominal mass”.  They tested these against the _modified abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture signs. “_The MARS-signs encompassed (1) the registered pain-associated symptoms or signs, (2) all hypovolemic associated signs, and (3) pulsatile abdominal mass and/or ultrasound finding”. The MARS did slightly better in identifying ruptured AAA retrospectively. For me, this doesn’t add a great deal of help in making this can’t miss diagnosis and further work is necessary.

References

Bergmark, P., Sadeghi, M., Talvitie, M. _et al._Initial signs in patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms: time for an expanded triad?.Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 32, 94 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13049-024-01268-0