Mapping the histopathology of aortic abdominal aneurysms: a step toward precision medicine

This editorial refers to ‘Abdominal aortic aneurysm histomorphology shows different inflammatory aspects among patients and is not associated with classic risk factors—the HistAAA study’, by M.C. Nackenhorst et al., https://doi.org/10.1093/cvr/cvaf071. An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is defined as a localized dilatation of the aorta measuring 30 mm or more. AAA is a complex disease in which environmental and genetic factors are crucial. The most important risk factors include male sex, smoking and a positive family history of AAA. Interestingly, diabetes mellitus is a negative risk factor for AAA.1 AAA progression involves both innate and adaptive immunity.1–7 The early mechanisms driving AAA development remain poorly understood, primarily because human tissue samples are typically obtained at advanced stages of the disease, which limits insights into its initiation. This makes it challenging to comprehensively characterize the cell types and signalling pathways involved in both the development and progression of AAA. Gaining a deeper understanding of AAA pathophysiology could lead to valuable opportunities for developing effective prevention strategies and novel medical therapies.