The Role of Systemic Inflammatory Markers in the Progression and Risk of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture – a Systematic Review

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious condition where the aorta becomes abnormally dilated, which can lead to serious health risks. Inflammation plays a crucial role in AAA. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a known prognostic marker for various medical conditions, including AAA. This review aims to assess the role of NLR in predicting adverse outcomes in patients with AAA. A systematic review of articles from PubMed covering the years 2013 to 2023 was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Out of 1,701 articles identified, 24 full-text publications were screened, and only 8 were included. The studies used receiver operating characteristic analysis to determine the best NLR cut-offs, which ranged from 4 to 9.7. The studies provide evidence that links NLR to mortality and rupture in patients with AAA. The utility of NLR utility extends beyond AAA, demonstrating significance in conditions like acute limb ischemia, chronic kidney disease, and coronary artery disease. This review underscores the potential of NLR as a valuable prognostic tool in AAA, offering insights for risk stratification and patient management.