Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in patients with high cardiovascular risk

• Published in: Revista clínica espanõla (English edition) Vol. 218; no. 9; pp. 461 - 467
• Main Authors: Cornejo Saucedo, M A, García-Gil, D, Brun Romero, F M, Torres do Rego, A, Beltrán Romero, L, Rodilla Sala, E, Acosta Guerra, G, Villanueva Martínez, J, Casas Rojo, J M, Torres Macho, J, García de Casasola-Sánchez, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Spanish
• Published: 01.12.2018
• ISSN: 2254-8874
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rce.2018.08.001

BACKGROUNDTo determine the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (arterial diameter ≥30mm), in patients with high or very high cardiovascular risk (CVR) and to evaluate their clinical features. PATIENTS AND METHODSObservational, cross-sectional and multicentric study conducted in Spanish Internal Medicine Services. We enrolled men with age >55years and women >65years who had a high or very high CVR. RESULTSThe study included 659 patients. The prevalence of AAA was 8% (53 patients). 76.9% were male with a mean age of 71±8.7years. The multivariate analysis showed an association between AAA and age (OR: 1.06; 95%CI: 1.02-1.1; P<.01), male sex (OR: 5.6; 95%CI: 1.6-18.8; P=.01), active smoking (OR: 3.22; 95%CI: 1.16-8.93; P=.024) and peripheral arterial disease (OR: 3.51; 95%CI: 1.73-7.09; P<.01). Diabetes mellitus was an independent protective factor (OR: 0.41; 95%CI: 0.22-0.78; P=.06). Those with subaneurysmal dilatation of the abdominal aorta (diameter 25-29.9mm) presented similar features as patients with AAA. CONCLUSIONSThe prevalence of AAA in patients with high CVR is high. Ultrasound screening can be performed by general practitioners. Men >65years with elevated CVR could benefit, particularly in the presence of active smoking or peripheral arterial disease.