Which statement about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is true?

• A. Non-ruptured and asymptomatic AAA can occur
• B. AAA is always painful and symptomatic
• C. Repair is never required
• D. AAA only occurs in men

Answer: (A)

Abdominal aortic aneurysms can be present and enlarging without causing symptoms, so a non-ruptured and asymptomatic aneurysm can occur. Many AAAs are found incidentally on imaging done for other reasons, and patients may not know they have one until it’s discovered. The risk of rupture rises with size, which is why larger or rapidly enlarging aneurysms are usually repaired electively.

That makes the statement true because it reflects the common, silent natural history of AAA. In contrast, saying AAAs are always painful and symptomatic is incorrect because most are asymptomatic until rupture or mass effect. Saying repair is never required is false because elective repair is recommended when the aneurysm reaches size thresholds or shows rapid growth. Saying AAA occurs only in men is incorrect because women can also have AAAs, though they are less common.