A patient consults with their GP

Aortic aneurysm

Statewide referral criteria

Specialty: Vascular
Age group: Adult

Direct to an emergency department for:

  • Present or suspected acute aortic dissection
  • Present or suspected ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm or thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Immediately contact the vascular registrar to arrange an urgent vascular assessment for:

  • Suspected intact, symptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm or thoracic aortic aneurysm.

Criteria for referral to public hospital specialist clinic services

  • Abdominal aortic aneurysm greater than 4.0 centimetres diameter measure.
  • Descending thoracic aortic aneurysm greater than 5.0 centimetres diameter measure.
  • Rapid abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion (greater than 1.0 centimetres diameter growth per year).

Information to be included in the referral

Information that must be provided

  • Current and previous imaging results.

Provide if available

Not applicable.

Additional comments

The Summary and referral information lists the information that should be included in a referral request.

The decision to refer should be based on diameter measurements, not the length of an aneurysm.

Referrals for dilatation of the ascending aorta should be directed to a cardiology service provided by the health service.

Where appropriate and available, the referral may be directed to an alternative specialist clinic or service.

Referral to a public hospital is not appropriate for

Not applicable.

Updated

Where to get help

Patients
For information about your specific medical condition, care pathway and/or wait times, please contact your GP or health service that you have been referred to.

General Practitioners
If your query relates to a referral for a specialist clinic, please contact the relevant health service directly or refer to their website for guidance.

For all other queries
Email plannedcare@health.vic.gov.au.