Etiopathogenesis of aortic aneurysms

Background: The clinical presentation and etipathogenesis of aortic aneurysms in Indians, their location and risk factors associated with these lesions have not been studied. This study aims to correlate clinical picture and the histopathological diagnosis in patients. Methods: This retrospective study included 52 patients who underwent surgery between Jan. 1990 and Dec. 2000. A detailed history, clinical examination, radiological investigations and histopathological examination were performed and recorded. Results: Age ranged from 9–76 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:3:1. Majority (46%) of aneurysms were located in the ascending aorta. Mean age was 47 years for women and 32 years in men. Chest & back pain were common symptoms in dissecting aneurysms. Annuloaortic ectasia was commonest cause of ascending aortic aneurysms (58%) in younger patients while atherosclerosis was the leading cause for aortic arch aneurysms in older patients. Conclusion: The etipathogenesis of aortic aneurysms is related to the location of the aneurysms and the age of the patients. Dyslipidemia & hypertension (diastolic pressure more than 100 mmHg) were the only significant risk factors associated with aneurysms.