title: Aneurysmal disease: the abdominal aorta.
abstract: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Approximately 80% of AAAs occur in the infrarenal abdominal aorta. Most are caused by a degenerative process in the aortic wall, and smoking is the risk factor most strongly associated with AAA. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography is the most reliable imaging modality. Open repair is more invasive initially but more durable, whereas endovascular aneurysm repair is less invasive but less durable. Since degradation of the aorta progresses with age, continuous follow-up after aneurysmal repair improves the long-term outcome.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53792, USA.
authors.forename: Toshio
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Takayama
authors.forename: Dai
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yamanouchi
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000367:Age Factors; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000150:complications; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D004691:Endarterectomy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D016540:Smoking Cessation
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
keywords: Abdominal aortic aneurysm; Asymptomatic; Endoleak; Endovascular aneurysm repair; Open repair; Ruptured