Aneurysm: focal, permanent dilation > 50%

AAA: focal, permanent dilation > 3 cm

Relevant Physiology

Common Location

• Infrarenal aorta
• common iliac arteries

Prognosis/Disease Course

• Slow, asymptomatic growth until rupture
• 80%-90% mortality rate if !Ruptured AAA
  • retroperitoneal > intraperitoneal in survival

Presentation

Signs and Symptoms

RF

• Caucasian Male > age 55 yr
  • M:F = 7:1
• ↑High BP
• Smoking (RF) → destroy wall of AoA
• True CTD
  • Marfan syndrome
  • Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome type IV
• Genetic
  • Screen 1st deg relatives

Protective Factor