Common iliac artery aneurysms in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the incidence of common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and to evaluate the relationship between AAA and CIA diameter.

Methods: Spiral CT angiography was used to measure the maximum diameters of the abdominal aorta and the common iliac arteries of 215 patients with AAA.

Results: The median CIA diameter was 1.7 cm--significantly greater than the published mean of 1.25 (2 S.D. = 0.85-1.65) cm of an age-matched, non-vascular population. Thirty-four patients (16%) had unilateral and 26 patients (12%) bilateral CIA aneurysms > or = 2.4 cm diameter. Eight-six vessels (20%) were affected. Right CIA diameters were wider than left CIA diameters (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test). The correlation between AAA size and CIA diameter was weak.

Conclusions: The AAA population has abnormally dilated common iliac arteries. In this population, common iliac artery aneurysms should be defined as those greater than 2.4 cm diameter. 20% of CIAs in patients with AAA are aneurysmal according to this definition.