Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Manufacturing Abdominal Aorta Hydrogel Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for Ultrasound Elastography Validation
09:32

Manufacturing Abdominal Aorta Hydrogel Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for Ultrasound Elastography Validation

Published on: September 19, 2018

No increased mortality with early aortic aneurysm disease

Matthew Mell1, Julie J White, Bradley B Hill

  • 1Department of Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif, USA. mwmell@stanford.edu

Journal of Vascular Surgery
|July 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Contemporary mortality for patients with early abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is lower than previously thought. Larger aneurysm size and diabetes are key risk factors for death in early AAA disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Previous studies indicated excessive all-cause mortality in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients, comparable to coronary heart disease.
  • These earlier findings predated modern risk factor management for coronary heart disease.
  • Contemporary mortality rates for early AAA disease (3-5 cm diameter) have not been recently evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the current mortality risk in patients diagnosed with early-stage abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
  • To identify predictors of mortality in contemporary AAA patient cohorts.

Main Methods:

  • 634 patients with AAA were recruited from three Northern California healthcare systems (2006-2011).
  • Data collected included aneurysm diameter, demographics, comorbidities, and medication history.
  • Survival status was tracked, and Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to analyze mortality predictors.

Main Results:

  • The study included 634 AAA patients with a mean age of 76.4 years and aortic diameter of 3.86 cm.
  • Estimated 1- and 3-year survival rates were 98.2% and 90.9%, respectively.
  • Increased mortality risk was associated with larger aneurysm size (>4.0 cm) and diabetes. Healthcare system also independently predicted mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Current all-cause mortality for individuals with early abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is lower than previously reported.
  • Further investigation is needed to understand the factors contributing to improved survival rates in early AAA.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Arterial Pouch Microsurgical Bifurcation Aneurysm Model in the Rabbit06:11

Arterial Pouch Microsurgical Bifurcation Aneurysm Model in the Rabbit

Published on: May 14, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...
Aneurysm I: Introduction01:30

Aneurysm I: Introduction

An aortic aneurysm is a localized outpouching or dilation at a weak point in the artery wall. It may involve different parts of the aorta, such as the abdominal aorta, aortic arch, or thoracic aorta.Etiological factorsSeveral disorders are associated with aortic aneurysms.Congenital causes, such as primary connective tissue disorders like Marfan syndrome, impact the integrity and strength of connective tissues, notably affecting the aorta. Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that specifically...
Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction01:15

Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction

IntroductionAortic regurgitation is characterized by the backward flow of blood from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole and arises from the improper closure of the aortic valve. This condition results in left ventricular volume overload and can stem from both acute and chronic etiologies, each contributing uniquely to the disease's progression and symptomatology.Acute and Chronic CausesAcute aortic regurgitation often results from events that suddenly impair the integrity of the...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...