Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysm ( AAA ) are dilatation of the aorta measuring > 3 cm in diameter commonly involving the infra-renal portion. Other criteria mentioned in the literature include focal dilatation of the aorta exceeding 1.5 times its normal diameter aortic diameter of atleast one and one-half times the normal diameter at the level of renal arteries , which is approximately 2 cm

Seen in up to 8 % of men aged > 65 Can be seen in 4 % to 8 % of men and 0.5 % to 1 % of women above 50 Risk increases with age - particularly after 60 They are more common in men ( 4-6 times ) Seen more commonly in whites in comparison to blacks AAA is quite rare in Asian populations AAA is responsible for 8000 deaths annually in the UK

advancing age atherosclerosis smoking ( major risk factor associated with development , expansion & rupture of AAAs ) male sex Caucasian race family history of AAA ○ a h/o surgical intervention in 1st degree relative increases the risk by 2 fold hypertension hypercholesterolaemia respiratory disease cerebrovascular disease claudication renal insufficiency prior h/o aortic dissection

severe , silent ,potentially life threatening condition...