[Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms: a sonographic screening study]

To determine the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in males above 60 years of age.

1043 males of 60 years of age or older underwent sonographic examinations of the abdominal aorta. All of the candidates had volunteered for the examination, and special care was taken to avoid preselection of the candidates. Wherever possible, information was obtained on the following risk factors: cholesterol level, nicotine, diabetes, insulin and other medication, hypertonia and cardiac risk.

An AAA was diagnosed in 2.59% of the cases, while ectasia of the abdominal aorta was detected in 11.89%. The mean diameter of the aneurysms was 39.1 mm. Significant correlations between the various risk factors and abnormalities of the abdominal aorta could be established in patients suffering from angina pectoris (p = 0.004) and from congestive heart failure (p = 0.014).

AAA in males above 60 occurs in 2,590 out of 100,000 cases. The most noteworthy risk factors in the development of AAA are cardiovascular disorders.