How are abdominal aortic aneurysms?

• It occurs in males more than females. • The incidence increases with age. • Atherosclerosis affects more than 90% of the aneurysms > 40 mm in diameter. • Most of them are below the renal arteries. • The 5 year risk of rupture for aneurysms < 50 mm is 1 to 2%. • The 5 year risk of rupture for aneurysm > 50 mm is 20 to 40%. • The formation of mural thrombi within the aneurysm may predispose to peripheral embolization. • AAA produces no symptoms and it is usually detected on routine examination as a palpable pulsatile and non tender mass. • It is usually an incidental finding during an abdominal CT scanner or ultrasound performed for other reasons. • If AAA expands, it may produce severe pain in the abdomen, or lower back due to mass effect. • Aneurysmal pain is an emergency because it is an early sign of rupture