ABCD…Airway, Breathing, Circulation (and don’t forget Differentials)

Abstract

Male patients over the age of 65, presenting with acute abdominal pain should be managed as a potential ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), until proven otherwise. Ruptured AAA is a commonly missed life-threatening diagnosis. This paper aims to recap over the diagnosis and management to aid doctors in training in their decision making.