The small abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abstract

Small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are increasingly being identified in developed countries with widespread use of abdominal imaging. In this review we describe the epidemiology, pathogenesis, natural history and management of this problem. Present evidence suggests that small aortic aneurysms should be managed conservatively with ultrasound surveillance and cardiovascular risk factor reduction. Trials of endovascular treatment of small AAAs are underway but equally important are studies of drug-based therapies for AAA which are presently deficient.