Golledge, Jonathan, and Norman, Paul E. (2010) Atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm: cause, response, or common risk factors? Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, 30 (6). pp. 1075-1077.

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Abstract

[Extract] Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture has been recognized as a significant cause of mortality for adults aged >60 years in the developed world for some time. AAAs are usually asymptomatic until rupture occurs, and screening programs have been shown to reduce mortality in men aged >65 years. Most AAAs detected by ultrasound are <50 mm in diameter, and there is currently no recognized treatment for these AAAs. Studies aimed at understanding the pathogenesis of AAA are important as they may identify targets for novel therapy.

See accompanying article on page 1263.

The mechanisms initiating and stimulating progression of AAA are still poorly understood, with most knowledge coming from cross-sectional association studies in humans and increasingly from investigations in animal models. Such studies suggest the importance of inflammatory pathways, matrix degradation, thrombosis, hemodynamic forces, and a host of associated signaling molecules in AAA pathogenesis. On the basis of the new insights from rodent models, a number of novel strategies are being investigated as potential treatments for small AAA. To date, there have been very few well-designed randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of medication in reducing AAA complications in patients.

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