[Arterial aneurysms in geriatric age]

After reviewing the literature on the subject, the authors examine all the cases of aortic aneurysm referred to their attention. From the tests performed, they note that males are most often affected and the age group with the highest incidence is the seventh decade of life, in particular between 60-66 years old. After having observed a pulsing abdominal mass leading to a suspected diagnosis, the radiological methods recommended by the authors include echotomography or CT, or if required, magnetic resonance. Arteriography is less convincing than the previous tests for diagnostic purposes because, as well as providing a false image of the vessel lumen (owing to the overlay of stratified thrombi it can show a virtually normal lumen), it may cause a risk of embolism. The surgeon therefore prefers an intraoperative finding in the case of subrenal aneurysm. In conclusion, faced with a diagnosis of aneurysm of the abdominal aorta, in the majority of cases, having prepared the patient, it is necessary to perform aorto-bisiliac or bifemoral graft surgery depending on aneurysm size as soon as possible in order to avoid the fissuration or even the rupture of the aneurysm.