Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 11, 2025
09:32
Manufacturing Abdominal Aorta Hydrogel Tissue-Mimicking Phantoms for Ultrasound Elastography Validation
Published on: September 19, 2018
15.6K
Epidemiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Christina L Marcaccio1, Marc L Schermerhorn1
1Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, 110 Francis Street, Suite 5B, Boston, MA 02215.
Seminars in Vascular Surgery
|March 24, 2021
Summary
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair has improved outcomes, but disparities persist. Focused efforts are needed to address inequities in AAA detection, treatment, and care for diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with rupture posing a life-threatening risk.
- Management aims to detect and repair AAAs electively before rupture.
- Improvements in AAA care, including endovascular repair, have reduced rupture rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advancements in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management and outcomes.
- To highlight the persistent disparities in AAA detection, treatment, and outcomes based on sex, race, and ethnicity.
- To emphasize the need for targeted interventions to mitigate these health inequities.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) management and outcomes.
- Analysis of trends in AAA disease burden, treatment modalities, and patient outcomes.
- Examination of existing disparities in AAA care across different demographic groups.
Main Results:
- Overall outcomes for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) have improved due to decreased tobacco use and advanced treatments like endovascular repair.
- Endovascular AAA repair has expanded treatment options for high-risk patients, contributing to lower rupture rates.
- Significant disparities in AAA detection, treatment, and outcomes persist among various sex, race, and ethnic groups.
Conclusions:
- While advancements have improved abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) care, equitable outcomes are not yet achieved.
- Addressing disparities in AAA prevention, health promotion, and care delivery is crucial.
- Targeted strategies are necessary to ensure equitable management of AAA in a diverse patient population.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
74
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...
74
01:30Aneurysm I: Introduction
118
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...
118
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
100
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...
100
01:15Aortic Regurgitation I: Introduction
156
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...
156
01:22Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
178
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...
178
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
138
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
138