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Medical Management of Small Aortic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

  • Chapter
Aortic Aneurysms

Part of the book series: Contemporary Cardiology ((CONCARD))

Abstract

Aneurysmal degeneration of the abdominal aortic and iliac arteries (referred to as AAA) is a common and potentially lethal age-related disease process. Advanced age, history of cigarette smoking, male gender, and family history have been the most frequently recognized AAA risk factors identified in prior screening studies. At this point in time, the best predictor of rupture risk is aneurysm diameter. Typically when the aneurysm enlarges beyond 5–5.5 cm, progressive degenerative changes predominate, leading, in some cases, to mechanical failure. Currently mechanical intervention is shown to be the only treatment effective in preventing AAA rupture and aneurysm-related death; however, in the last decade, endovascular aneurysm repair has gained acceptance as an alternative to open surgical repair with reduced periproc-edural risks. Recently, there is evidence from a number of studies suggesting that statins may influence aneurysm growth rate, presumably via pleiotropic effects. Additionally, β -blockers, ACE inhibitors, macrolides, and tetracy-clines have all been proposed as a treatment for AAA with varying rationales and degrees of success.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Methodist Hospital, Omaha, NE

    B. Timothy Baxter

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  1. B. Timothy Baxter
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  1. Department of Surgery Sec. Vascular Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., TC2210N, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0329, USA

    Gilbert R. Upchurch Jr.  & Enrique Criado  & 

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Baxter, B.T. (2009). Medical Management of Small Aortic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms. In: Upchurch, G.R., Criado, E. (eds) Aortic Aneurysms. Contemporary Cardiology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-204-9_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-204-9_4

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

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