Which statement regarding abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is FALSE?

The statement that most accurately reflects the falsehood regarding abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is that they are rarely discovered due to abdominal symptoms. In reality, while many AAAs can be asymptomatic prior to rupture, patients may experience abdominal or back pain which can lead to their discovery. Therefore, it is not uncommon for AAAs to present with symptoms that prompt further investigation.

The first option is true as most AAAs are asymptomatic until they reach a critical size or rupture. A CT scan being the gold standard for detection is also accurate, as it provides detailed imaging that is crucial for assessing the size and extent of the aneurysm. The statement about AAAs rarely extending above the renal arteries holds true as well; most AAAs typically originate below the level of the renal arteries and often do not extend proximally into the thoracic aorta.

Thus, the choice that AAAs are rarely discovered due to abdominal symptoms is misleading, as symptoms can indeed play a role in their detection.