In this episode of The Good GP, Dr Krystyna de Lange speaks with Dr Samantha Peden, vascular surgeon with appointments at the Royal Brisbane and Womens' Hospital, Wesley Private Hospital in Brisbane and Friendly Society Private Hospital Bundaberg, about the identification and management of aortic pathology in general practice. They focused on the increasing incidence of incidentally noted aortic dilatation and aneurysms due to greater use of CT chest imaging.

Dr Peden explains the key differences between normal, ectatic, and aneurysmal segments of the thoracic aorta, including considerations based on sex, patient size, morphology and aetiology. She outlines how to approach incidental findings, including further imaging options such as CT angiogram, MR angiogram, and imaging of other potential aneurysm sites, along with the importance of physical examination.

Dr Peden provides guidance on when to refer patients for non GP specialist review and how surveillance intervals are decided, particularly in the absence of formal Australian guidelines. She also covers best medical management, risk factor modification, and updated intervention thresholds for aneurysms in different vascular territories.

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