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vascular surgery

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on vascular surgery.

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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old female presents with right leg pain and skin changes after starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Her INR is 3.5. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Administer vitamin K and discontinue warfarin
B. Elevate the leg and apply compression bandages
C. Prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic
D. Apply topical corticosteroids
E. Increase the dose of warfarin
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old man with a history of smoking, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia presents for investigation of intermittent flank pain. Physical examination is unremarkable. Routine blood tests are normal. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Surveillance with abdominal ultrasound in 12 months
B. Urgent referral for surgical assessment and repair planning
C. Referral for immediate endovascular aneurysm repair
D. No specific follow-up imaging required, focus on risk factor modification
E. Repeat CT scan of the abdomen in 3 months
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 78-year-old female on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents to the emergency department with a 24-hour history of increasing pain and discolouration in her right lower leg. She reports the pain is severe and worsening rapidly. She denies trauma or recent falls. Her INR this morning was 2.5 (target 2.0-3.0). Vital signs are stable: BP 130/80, HR 75, RR 16, Temp 36.8°C. Examination reveals the findings shown in the image. Considering the patient's history, current medication, and the clinical appearance depicted, what is the most appropriate immediate therapeutic intervention?

A. Discontinue warfarin and administer Vitamin K.
B. Arrange urgent surgical debridement of the affected area.
C. Initiate broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics.
D. Increase warfarin dose to achieve an INR of 3.0-4.0.
E. Prescribe oral analgesia and arrange outpatient follow-up.
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A 62-year-old male presents to his general practitioner with a six-month history of a painless bulge in his right groin. On examination, a soft swelling is palpable in the right inguinal region, which increases in size on coughing or straining. The swelling is located medial to the inferior epigastric vessels. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management strategy according to current Australian guidelines?

A. Reassurance and watchful waiting, with advice to return if symptoms worsen.
B. Urgent referral to an emergency department for exclusion of strangulation.
C. Prescription of a truss to provide symptomatic relief.
D. Referral to a physiotherapist for core strengthening exercises.
E. Referral to a general surgeon for consideration of elective repair.
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Post-embolization arteriogram showing coiled aneurysm (indicated by yellow arrows) of the posteriorcerebral artery with a residual aneurysmal sac.
Image by Promod Pillai, Aftab Karim, Anil Nanda CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents with worsening headaches and blurred vision. He underwent endovascular coiling for a posterior cerebral artery aneurysm 6 months ago. The attached image was obtained. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Increase the dose of his antihypertensive medication
B. Initiate aspirin therapy
C. Repeat angiography
D. Order a CT scan of the head without contrast
E. Reassure the patient and schedule a follow-up appointment in 6 months
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old male with a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia presents for a routine follow-up. He is asymptomatic. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen was performed as part of a screening protocol. An axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Start aspirin therapy
B. Measure ankle-brachial index
C. Initiate statin therapy
D. Surgical repair
E. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
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Synchronous multiple small bowel intussusceptions in an adult with blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome. CT scan of abdomen showing i) multiple intussusceptions demonstrating doughnut signs (white arrows), intussusceptiens [A], intussusceptum [B], distended loop of small

bowel [C] and ii) haemangioma of right quadratus lumborum muscle (dark arrow).
Image by Lee C, Debnath D, Whitburn T, Farrugia M, Gonzalez F CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 35-year-old male with a history of multiple cutaneous vascular lesions presents with recurrent episodes of crampy abdominal pain and melena over the past month. His vital signs are stable. An abdominal CT scan is performed. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the provided image, what is the most likely underlying pathology responsible for the patient's symptoms and the observed bowel findings?

A. Mesenteric adenitis triggering intussusception
B. Inflammatory strictures leading to obstruction
C. Lymphoid hyperplasia causing transient intussusception
D. Malignant polyps causing intussusception
E. Intestinal haemangiomas acting as lead points
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old male with a history of hypertension and smoking undergoes a CT scan for investigation of chronic back pain. He denies any abdominal pain, pulsatile mass, or leg ischaemia. His blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg, pulse 72 bpm. The image provided is an axial view from this scan. Based on this finding, what is the most appropriate next step in his management?

A. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation.
B. No further follow-up is required.
C. Arrange for surveillance ultrasound in 12 months.
D. Schedule elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
E. Repeat CT angiography in 6 months.
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old female presents with right leg pain and skin changes after starting warfarin for atrial fibrillation 5 days ago. Her INR is currently 3.5. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Apply compression bandages and elevate the leg
B. Start heparin and continue warfarin at the same dose
C. Reduce warfarin dose and monitor INR daily
D. Stop warfarin and administer vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma
E. Continue warfarin at the same dose and apply topical corticosteroids
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A 70-year-old male presents to the emergency department with severe abdominal and back pain. He has a history of hypertension and smoking. On examination, he is hypotensive and tachycardic. Palpation reveals a pulsatile abdominal mass. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
B. Renal colic
C. Acute pancreatitis
D. Myocardial infarction
E. Diverticulitis
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Post-embolization arteriogram showing coiled aneurysm (indicated by yellow arrows) of the posteriorcerebral artery with a residual aneurysmal sac.
Image by Promod Pillai, Aftab Karim, Anil Nanda CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 68-year-old presents with worsening headaches post-aneurysm coiling. The image shows a follow-up angiogram. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

A. Conservative management with analgesia
B. Initiate nimodipine
C. Repeat coiling
D. Start warfarin
E. Prescribe aspirin
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A 78-year-old man with a history of chronic atrial fibrillation and hypertension presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe pain, numbness, and coldness in his left leg, starting approximately 3 hours ago. He is currently taking aspirin 100mg daily. On examination, his left foot and lower calf are pale and cool to touch. Pedal pulses are absent, popliteal pulse is weak. Sensation is decreased below the ankle, and motor function is preserved but weak. Capillary refill in the toes is delayed. His heart rate is irregularly irregular at 95 bpm, blood pressure 140/85 mmHg. What is the most appropriate initial management step?

A. Initiate intravenous unfractionated heparin and consult vascular surgery urgently.
B. Administer a bolus of intravenous fluid and analgesia.
C. Start a continuous infusion of alteplase.
D. Order an urgent CT angiography of the left lower limb.
E. Arrange for an urgent venous duplex ultrasound to rule out deep vein thrombosis.
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A 68-year-old man with atrial fibrillation is scheduled for elective hip replacement surgery. He is currently on warfarin with a target INR of 2.0-3.0. His INR is 2.5 at the preoperative assessment. What is the most appropriate management of his anticoagulation therapy in preparation for surgery?

A. Stop warfarin 2 days before surgery and start a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) instead
B. Continue warfarin and adjust the dose to achieve an INR of less than 1.5 before surgery
C. Stop warfarin 5 days before surgery and consider bridging with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) if high thromboembolic risk
D. Switch from warfarin to aspirin 7 days before surgery
E. Stop warfarin 1 day before surgery and resume it immediately after the procedure
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old man presents to his GP with a 3-month history of intermittent lower back pain, which is worse with activity. He has a history of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, and is a former smoker. Physical examination reveals normal vital signs and no abdominal tenderness or pulsatile mass. Routine blood tests are normal. An abdominal CT scan is performed as part of the workup. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Prescribe analgesia and review in 3 months.
B. Advise no further imaging is necessary.
C. Schedule surveillance ultrasound in 12 months.
D. Refer for urgent vascular surgical consultation.
E. Arrange a repeat CT scan in 6 months.
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old male undergoes a CT scan for investigation of chronic back pain. He is otherwise asymptomatic with stable vital signs. The image provided is an axial view from this scan. Based on this finding, what is the most appropriate next step in the patient's management according to current guidelines?

A. Schedule elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
B. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation.
C. No further follow-up is required.
D. Repeat CT angiography in 6 months.
E. Arrange for surveillance ultrasound in 12 months.
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A 60-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe chest pain that radiates to his back. He describes the pain as tearing in nature. His blood pressure is 180/100 mmHg in the right arm and 160/90 mmHg in the left arm. On examination, there is a new diastolic murmur heard best at the right sternal border. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
B. Perform an ECG
C. Order a CT angiography of the chest
D. Administer aspirin
E. Start intravenous heparin
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A 70-year-old man with known atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, and coldness in his left leg. Pulses are absent below the femoral artery. What is the most likely source of the embolus causing this presentation?

A. Left atrium
B. Deep vein thrombosis
C. Popliteal artery aneurysm
D. Aortic arch
E. Carotid artery
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Post-embolization arteriogram showing coiled aneurysm (indicated by yellow arrows) of the posteriorcerebral artery with a residual aneurysmal sac.
Image by Promod Pillai, Aftab Karim, Anil Nanda CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 60-year-old female with a history of a posterior cerebral artery aneurysm presents for routine follow-up. Review the image. What is the MOST appropriate management?

A. Prescribe a course of corticosteroids
B. Increase dose of statin
C. Initiate dual antiplatelet therapy
D. Start aspirin
E. Repeat angiography in 6 months
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents for a routine check-up. He has a history of smoking and hypertension, managed with lisinopril. He denies any abdominal pain, back pain, or lower extremity claudication. Physical exam is unremarkable. A contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen is performed, the axial view is shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Repeat imaging in 6-12 months
B. Start aspirin for secondary prevention
C. Refer to vascular surgery for elective repair
D. Prescribe a statin for lipid management
E. Initiate beta-blocker therapy
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A 68-year-old man with a history of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and stable angina is scheduled for elective hernia repair surgery. He is currently on aspirin, metformin, lisinopril, and atorvastatin. His last angina episode was over a year ago, and he has no history of myocardial infarction. What is the most appropriate preoperative management step to minimize his cardiovascular risk during surgery?

A. Discontinue aspirin therapy one week before surgery
B. Increase the dose of atorvastatin
C. Continue aspirin therapy
D. Order a preoperative stress test
E. Start beta-blocker therapy
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A 70-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, and coldness in his left leg. On examination, the leg is cool below the knee, distal pulses are absent, and sensation is diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic investigation?

A. Venous duplex ultrasound of the limb
B. Serum lactate level
C. CT angiography of the limb
D. Arterial duplex ultrasound of the limb
E. ECG
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old male undergoes a CT scan for investigation of chronic back pain. He has no history of abdominal pain or pulsatile mass. His blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg. The image provided is an axial view from this scan. Based on this finding and the patient's clinical status, what is the most appropriate next step in management according to current guidelines?

A. Schedule elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).
B. Arrange for surveillance ultrasound in 12 months.
C. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation.
D. Repeat CT angiography in 6 months.
E. No further follow-up is required.
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A 70-year-old man with a history of atrial fibrillation presents with sudden onset of severe pain, pallor, and coldness in his left leg, extending below the knee. On examination, the leg is cool to touch, pale, and distal pulses (popliteal, dorsalis pedis, posterior tibial) are absent. Sensation is diminished below the ankle, but he can still move his toes slightly. Capillary refill is delayed. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial diagnostic investigation?

A. Arterial duplex ultrasound of the affected limb
B. Venous duplex ultrasound of the affected limb
C. CT angiography of the affected limb
D. Plain film X-ray of the affected limb
E. ECG and cardiac enzymes
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman presents with increasing pain in her right leg. She has been on warfarin for atrial fibrillation for the past 5 days. Her INR is currently 3.5. Examination reveals the findings shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Prescribe oral antibiotics
B. Apply topical corticosteroids
C. Stop warfarin and administer vitamin K
D. Continue warfarin at the same dose
E. Start intravenous heparin
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

An 80-year-old male with a history of smoking and hypertension presents for investigation of mild, intermittent lower back pain. Physical examination is unremarkable. Vital signs are stable. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed. Based on the provided image and clinical context, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Repeat CT scan in 3 months
B. Urgent referral for surgical repair
C. Annual ultrasound surveillance
D. No further follow-up required
E. Initiate antiplatelet therapy and review in 1 year
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A 60-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain radiating to her back. She has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. On examination, she is hypotensive and tachycardic. Her abdomen is distended and tender, with guarding and rebound tenderness. An abdominal ultrasound reveals a large abdominal aortic aneurysm. What is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Administer intravenous beta-blockers
B. Initiate intravenous antibiotics
C. Immediate surgical repair
D. Perform a CT angiography
E. Start anticoagulation therapy
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Post-embolization arteriogram showing coiled aneurysm (indicated by yellow arrows) of the posteriorcerebral artery with a residual aneurysmal sac.
Image by Promod Pillai, Aftab Karim, Anil Nanda CC BY 2.0 · Source

A 55-year-old patient presents with a subarachnoid haemorrhage from a ruptured posterior cerebral artery aneurysm. Endovascular coiling is performed without immediate complications. The image shows the post-procedure angiogram obtained before leaving the angiography suite. Based on this finding, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Discharge with outpatient follow-up.
B. Proceed to surgical clipping.
C. Schedule repeat digital subtraction angiography in 12 months.
D. Plan for further endovascular intervention.
E. Initiate dual antiplatelet therapy immediately.
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

An 80-year-old male with a history of smoking and hypertension presents to his GP with mild, intermittent lower back pain. Physical examination is unremarkable. Routine blood tests are normal. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed to investigate the back pain. Considering the findings demonstrated in the provided image in the context of this patient's presentation, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Refer immediately for surgical consultation for elective repair.
B. Initiate aggressive blood pressure control and repeat imaging in 5 years.
C. Schedule regular surveillance imaging.
D. Perform urgent angiography to assess for rupture risk.
E. Discharge with advice to return if pain worsens significantly.
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old man presents for a routine check-up. He reports occasional mild, non-radiating abdominal discomfort over the past few months, which he attributes to indigestion. He has a history of well-controlled hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, and quit smoking 10 years ago. Physical examination is unremarkable, with no palpable abdominal masses. Routine blood tests are within normal limits. An abdominal CT scan is performed to investigate the abdominal discomfort. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Initiate a trial of proton pump inhibitors for presumed dyspepsia.
B. Arrange immediate CT angiography to plan for endovascular repair.
C. Schedule a surveillance ultrasound in 6-12 months.
D. Reassure the patient that the findings are benign and require no follow-up.
E. Refer urgently for vascular surgical assessment.
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A 55-year-old man presents to the emergency department with sudden onset severe abdominal pain radiating to the back. He has a history of hypertension and is a smoker. On examination, he is diaphoretic and in distress, with a blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg and a heart rate of 110 bpm. Abdominal examination reveals a pulsatile mass in the midline. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Acute myocardial infarction
B. Acute pancreatitis
C. Perforated peptic ulcer
D. Renal colic
E. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old male undergoes a CT scan for investigation of chronic back pain. He denies abdominal pain or pulsatile mass. His blood pressure is 130/80 mmHg. The provided image is an axial view from this scan. Based on this finding and the patient's clinical status, what is the most appropriate next step in management according to Australian guidelines?

A. Arrange for surveillance ultrasound in 12 months
B. Repeat CT angiography in 6 months
C. Arrange for urgent surgical consultation
D. No further follow-up is required
E. Schedule elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
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A 68-year-old man with a history of smoking and hypertension presents with intermittent claudication in his right leg. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is 0.6 on the right and 0.9 on the left. He has been on a supervised exercise program and optimal medical therapy for 6 months with no improvement in symptoms. What is the most appropriate next step in management?

A. Continue with the current exercise program and medical therapy
B. Consideration for revascularization with angioplasty or bypass surgery
C. Start a trial of cilostazol
D. Increase the dose of his antihypertensive medication
E. Refer for a vascular ultrasound to reassess the ABI
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Right leg affected by warfarin necrosis
Image by Bakoyiannis C, Karaolanis G, Patelis N, Maskanakis A, Tsaples G, Klonaris C, Georgopoulos S, Liakakos T CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old woman on warfarin for chronic atrial fibrillation presents with increasing pain in her right leg over the past 48 hours. Her INR is 4.0. Examination reveals the findings in the image. What is the MOST likely underlying cause?

A. Protein S deficiency
B. Prothrombin gene mutation
C. Antithrombin III deficiency
D. Factor V Leiden mutation
E. Protein C deficiency
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A contrast enhanced CT scan demonstrating an abdominal aortic aneurysm of 4.8 * 3.8 cm
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old man with a history of hypertension and smoking presents to his GP with mild, intermittent abdominal discomfort. His vital signs are stable, and abdominal examination is soft and non-tender. As part of the workup, a contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed. The provided image is an axial view from this study. Based on the clinical context and the findings in the provided image, what is the most appropriate next step in this patient's management?

A. Referral for urgent endovascular repair planning
B. No further action is required at this time
C. Referral to a vascular surgeon for ongoing surveillance
D. Urgent surgical consultation for immediate repair
E. Repeat CT scan in 3 months to assess for growth
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