Diagnosis and Monitoring of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Current Status and Future Prospects

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly men, and prevalence is predicted to increase in parallel with a global aging population. AAA is commonly asymptomatic, and in the absence of routine screening, diagnosis is usually incidental when imaging to assess unrelated medical complaints. In the absence of approved diagnostic and prognostic markers, A A As are monitored conservatively via medical imaging until aortic diameter approaches 50-55 mm and surgical repair is performed. There is currently significant interest in identifying molecular markers of diagnostic and prognostic value for AAA. Here we outline the current guidelines for AAA management and discuss modern scientific techniques currently employed to identify improved diagnostic and prognostic markers. (Curr Probl Cardiol 2010;35:512-548.)