Abstract

DIAS-NETO, Marina; RAMOS, José Fernando; SAMPAIO, Sérgio  and  FREITAS, Alberto. Epidemiological transition in abdominal aortic aneurysm. Angiol Cir Vasc [online]. 2017, vol.13, n.1, pp.08-13. ISSN 1646-706X.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has shown an epidemiological transition in Western countries. The standard of the XX century characterized by increasing incidence and mortality has been replaced by decreasing incidence and mortality due to AAA. The decrease in deaths from AAA observed since the 90s seems to have been motivated by reduced exposure to risk factors, increased use of cardioprotective drugs, increased availability of diagnostics and improved treatment modalities. This epidemiological transition could have an impact on the screening strategy (both in organized or opportunistic screening) as well as in the management of resources related to the treatment of AAA. The objective of this review is to scrutinize the magnitude of these epidemiological changes, the possible underlying causes and its potential impact.

Keywords : abdominal aortic aneurysm; epidemiology; incidence; mortality.

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