Potential Indicators of the Degree of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Development in Rupture Risk Estimation

Because of the increasing incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) this disease poses a serious epidemiological problem, particularly in the highly developed and developing countries in which the average age of the population is increasing. According to demographic forecasts, these trends will continue, with an incidence peak in the next two decades. With the current state of medical knowledge, it is impossible to prevent the formation and development of abdominal aortic aneurysms whereby the main treatment remains to be surgical intervention. Therefore, in the authors' opinion, besides continuing to explore the aetiopathogenesis of this disease, it is sensible to search for the potential indicators of the degree of AAA development. The present analysis of the indicators of the degree of AAA development currently recognized shows that their significance varies widely among researchers. This paper presents a review of information about the three main indicators of the degree of abdominal aortic aneurysm development: AAA maximum diameter, growth rate and mural thrombus presence. When searching for more objective indicators of AAA rupture probability and AAA development degree, researchers have become interested in indicators which might be the direct reflection of the structural changes taking place in the aortic wall. In the present authors' opinion, the evaluation of the mechanical properties of AAA walls holds the greatest promise for the reliable assessment of AAA wall rupture probability and the degree of AAA development (Adv Clin Exp Med 2011, 20, 2, 221-225).