This comprehensive review addresses eight specific controversies and uncertainties regarding the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and surgical management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
This review provides a comprehensive overview of abdominal aortic aneurysm, addressing key controversies in epidemiology, pathophysiology, and surgical management.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a permanent dilatation of the abdominal aorta that exceeds 3 cm. Most AAAs arise in the portion of abdominal aorta distal to the renal arteries and are defined as infrarenal. Most AAAs are totally asymptomatic until catastrophic rupture. The strongest predictor of AAA rupture is the diameter. Surgery is indicated to prevent rupture when the risk of rupture exceeds the risk of surgery. In this review, we aim to analyze this disease comprehensively, starting from an epidemiological perspective, exploring etiology and pathophysiology, and concluding with surgical controversies. We will pursue these goals by addressing eight specific questions regarding AAA: (1) Is the incidence of AAA increasing? (2) Are ultrasound screening programs for AAA effective? (3) What causes AAA: Genes versus environment? (4) Animal models: Are they really relevant? (5) What pathophysiology leads to AAA? (6) Indications for AAA surgery: Are surgeons over-eager to operate? (7) Elective AAA repair: Open or endovascular? (8) Emergency AAA repair: Open or endovascular?
Carino et al. (Tue,) conducted a review in Abdominal aortic aneurysm. This comprehensive review addresses eight specific controversies and uncertainties regarding the epidemiology, etiology, pathophysiology, and surgical management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.