Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Risk Factors, New Diagnosis Realities and Complications Prevision

Introduction: An abdominal aortic aneurysm is defined as a permanent expansion of aorta, superior or equal to 3, 0 cm, which has a 60-80% mortality in case of rupture. Its formation is caused by the weakening of aortic wall, that occurs when elastic and collagen fibers are degraded, being an entity that has an elevated risk for human live [1-3]. Purpose: To put in evidence the contribution of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms and to present new diagnosis paths and ways of previse complications of this entity. Methodology: Review article based on the search made between February and April of 2015, through the search engines ScienceDirect and Pubmed. From the 2569 articles found, 33 were selected, with only 28 being used, dated between 2007 and 2015. Discussion: The majority of the risk factors contribute to enhance the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, being the search of the individuals that present them fundamental. This search is especially important in women aged between 60 - 85 years with cardiovascular risk factors or in those aged over 50 years with an abdominal aortic aneurysm’s family history, but also in those aged over 65 years that present smoke or cardiac disease history [4]. Considering the complications associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm, its frequent evaluation is crucial, having the purpose of determining the moment when the aneurysm reaches the minimum proposed diameter for surgery, which matches with a higher rupture risk and, consequently, a higher life danger. Conclusion: The abdominal aortic aneurysms have risk factors similar to those found in atherosclerotic disease, although it is thought that these two entities feature different etiologies. Some 3D methods have emerged (speckle tracking), which has allowed a more detailed study of abdominal aortic aneurysms, bridging the limitations found in 2D methods. 3D methods, in association with mortality and morbidity prognosis studies, can justify and support the decision of intervening abdominal aortic aneurysms, which must be performed when the rupture risk exceeds the surgical ones.