obsolete familial abdominal aortic aneurysm

Familial Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: An Obsolete Condition?

Research suggests that having a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) increases the risk of developing one, with a 30% higher likelihood [3]. Furthermore, these aneurysms tend to occur at a younger age in individuals with a family history. However, it's essential to note that this condition is not necessarily "obsolete" but rather a significant concern for those with a predisposed genetic makeup.

Characteristics of Familial AAA

• Individuals with a family history of AAA are more likely to develop an aneurysm at a younger age.
• The risk of developing an AAA is increased by 30% in individuals with a family history [3].
• These aneurysms tend to occur between the diaphragm and the iliac bifurcation, which is a critical area for monitoring.

Implications and Recommendations

While familial abdominal aortic aneurysm may not be considered "obsolete," it's crucial for individuals with a family history to be aware of their increased risk. Regular health check-ups and monitoring can help identify potential issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and minimizing the risk of complications.

References:

• [3] by EM Isselbacher · 2005 · Cited by 1262 — Those with a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm have an increased risk of 30%,39 and their aneurysms tend to occur at a younger age ...
• [9] by V Kessler · 2022 · Cited by 71 — An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is, therefore, an irreversible dilation of the abdominal aorta between the diaphragm and the iliac bifurcation [2]. AAAs are ...

I couldn't find any information on "obsolete familial abdominal aortic aneurysm." It's possible that this term is not relevant or up-to-date.

However, I can provide you with general information on abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and their symptoms. If you'd like to know more about that, please let me know!

That being said, if you meant to ask about familial abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a condition where there's a genetic predisposition to developing AAAs, I can try to provide some information on that.

Familial abdominal aortic aneurysms are rare and often associated with other conditions such as Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, or Turner syndrome. The symptoms of a familial AAA may be similar to those of a non-familial AAA, which include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Pain in the back or lower back (lumbar region)
• Pain in the groin or buttocks
• Weakness or fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

However, it's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and a definitive diagnosis of familial AAA would require further medical evaluation and testing.

If you have any specific questions about abdominal aortic aneurysms or their symptoms, I'll do my best to provide more information.

Based on the provided context, it appears that there are various diagnostic tests used to identify familial abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Here's a summary of the relevant information:

• Imaging tests: Abdominal ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI are commonly used to diagnose AAAs. These tests can create clear images of the aorta and help identify any abnormalities.
• Physical examination: A physical exam may be performed to check for signs of an AAA, such as a pulsatile mass in the abdominal area.
• Genetic testing: The modified Ghent criteria for diagnosis incorporate genetic testing, which can help identify individuals with a family history of Marfan syndrome or other conditions that increase the risk of AAAs.

According to [8], quantifying the risks of hypertension, age, sex, and smoking in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm is essential. Additionally, familial abdominal aortic aneurysm has been studied in various systematic reviews, including one by van Vlijmen-van Keulen CJ et al. [17].

It's worth noting that while these tests can help diagnose AAAs, they may not be sufficient to fully identify the condition or its underlying causes.

References: [8] December 10, 2019 - Quantifying the risks of hypertension, age, sex and smoking in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm. Br J Surg. 2000;87(2):195-200. [17] van Vlijmen-van Keulen CJ, Pals G, Rauwerda JA. Familial abdominal aortic aneurysm: a systematic review of a genetic background.

Treatment Options for Familial Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Familial abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a type of inherited condition that affects the aorta, leading to its dilation and potential rupture. While there is no cure for this condition, various treatment options have been explored to manage and prevent further complications.

• Medications: Research has shown that certain medications may help slow down or even halt the growth rate of AAAs in humans (5). These include statins, which are commonly used to lower cholesterol levels, as well as angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents.
• Statin Therapy: Statins have been found to inhibit the growth rate of AAA in humans (5). This is likely due to their ability to reduce inflammation and improve lipid profiles.
• Antibiotic Treatment: Some studies suggest that antibiotic treatment may also be beneficial in managing AAAs. For example, doxycycline has been shown to reduce aortic wall MMP-9 levels and AAA expansion rate (6).
• Metformin and Statins: Recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of metformin and statins in reducing the expansion rate, rupture risk, and perioperative mortality of AAAs (9).

While these treatment options show promise, it's essential to note that they are not yet widely available or FDA-approved for the treatment of familial abdominal aortic aneurysms. Further research is needed to fully understand their efficacy and potential risks.

References

• [5] by T Miyake · 2009 · Cited by 147 — Treatment with statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory agents appears to inhibit the growth rate of AAA in humans.
• [6] Feb 14, 2019 — The study showed that chronic doxycycline treatment is feasible and well tolerated, and it was concluded that aortic wall MMP-9 levels and AAA expansion rate were reduced.
• [9] by R Li · 2023 · Cited by 9 — Metformin and statins have positive effects in reducing the expansion rate, rupture risk, and the perioperative mortality of AAA.

The differential diagnosis for obsolete familial abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) involves considering various conditions that may present with similar symptoms or characteristics.

• Abdominal pain: Abdominal aortic aneurysms can cause diffuse abdominal pain, which is a common symptom. However, other conditions such as appendicitis, urinary tract infections, and diverticulitis should also be considered in the differential diagnosis [1].
• Genetic basis: Familial AAA has a genetic component, and a positive family history of aneurysm and dissection can aid in making a diagnosis [7]. However, other conditions such as thoracic aortic disease may also have a genetic basis.
• Risk factors: Risk factors for developing abdominal aortic aneurysms include cigarette smoking, hereditary/family history, increased age, male sex (prevalence), and female sex (rupture) [6].
• Other differential diagnoses: Other conditions that should be considered in the differential diagnosis of familial AAA include renal colic, due to presence of back pain with no other symptoms present. Other conditions such as aortocaval fistula may also need to be ruled out.

It's worth noting that the diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysms is usually made with ultrasound (US), but a CT scan is needed to determine the exact location and size of the aneurysm [3].