Inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA): past and present

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine whether presentation and outcomes of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA) have changed over the last five decades.

Methods: Comparison of current outcomes (January 2001 to December 2007) with results of the earliest report from our unit in 1972.

Results: In contemporary series, 421 patients underwent AAA repair; 38 (9%) were IAAA. In 58% patients, IAAA was an incidental finding, whereas 42% patients were symptomatic with abdominal or back pain. Of those, 32% were ruptured IAAA. Male-to-female ratio was 12:1. Thirty-day mortality was 13%; elective 11.5%; emergency 17%. Comparison with 1972 study showed no change in the incidence and gender predilection. Presentation as an incidental finding and rupture increased 4- and 2-folds, respectively.

Conclusion: The incidence and gender predilection of IAAA have remained unchanged. The 4-fold increase in the presentation as an incidental finding reflects current trends in patient evaluation.