Basic science review. Vascular distensibility as a predictive tool in the management of small asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms.
BACKGROUND
This study investigates whether baseline aortic wall distensibility serves as a supplemental bio-marker for AAA progression and need for later repair.


METHODS
In 1998, 61 males with a small asymptomatic AAAs had a baseline measurement of elasticity and stiffness, using an echo-tracking ultrasound system (Diamove). The cohort was followed till 2005 concerning Dmax, expansion rate, operations for AAA, hospitalisation do to cardiovascular disease and death.


RESULTS
During follow-up, 49% died, and 45.9% were hospitalised do to cardiovascular disease, compared to Dmax, Ep and b no significant associations were found. Elasticity correlated moderately to annual expansion rate and Dmax. Good correlation was found between annual expansion rate and Dmax. ROC-curve analysis showed that elasticity, stiffness and Dmax all tended to predict future need for AAA-repair.


CONCLUSIONS
Baseline aortic wall distensibility may provide an additional parameter for AAA to optimize the indication and time for elective repair.
Hoegh
Annette
A
Department of Vascular Surgery, Vascular Research Unit, Viborg Hospital, Viborg, Denmark. a_l_hogh@yahoo.dk
Lindholt
Jes S
JS
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001012:Aorta, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D004548:Elasticity; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012372:ROC Curve; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures