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Atmospheric pressure variations and abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture
S D Killeen1, M J O'Sullivan, J C Coffey
1Department of Surgery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland. sdfklleen@eircom.net
Background:
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) presents with increased frequency in the winter and spring months. Seasonal changes in atmospheric pressure mirrors this pattern.
Aim:
To establish if there was a seasonal variation in the occurrence of RAAA and to determine if there was any association with atmospheric pressure changes.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort-based study was performed. Daily atmospheric pressure readings for the region were obtained.
Results:
There was a statistically significant monthly variation in RAAA presentation with 107 cases (52.5%) occurring from November to March. The monthly number of RAAA and the mean atmospheric pressure in the previous month were inversely related (r = -0.752, r (2) = 0.566, P = 0.03), and there was significantly greater daily atmospheric pressure variability on days when patients with RAAA were admitted.
Conclusion:
These findings suggest a relationship between atmospheric pressure and RAAA.
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