Wiener klinische Wochenschrift
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Wien. Klin. Wochenschr. · Nov 2002
Comparative StudyOutcome of conservative medical treatment of patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Since non-invasive diagnostic methods have become available and screening programs have become popular, abdominal aortic aneurysms are more frequently being detected at an early stage of the disease. We analyzed the course of conservatively treated patients with infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), and determined independent risk factors for aneurysm expansion. ⋯ Patients with an aneurysm diameter > 45 mm or ultrasound signs of aortic dissection have an increased risk for AAA progression and need careful evaluation, optimization of risk factors and close (six-month) follow-up intervals. For patients with an aneurysm diameter below 45 mm and without additional risk factors, follow-up intervals of 12 months seem to be safe.