Abstract
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?
Keywords
abdominal aortic aneurysm - AAA - risk factors - animal models - indication for AAA
surgery - rupture AAA - endovascular aortic repair