Mária Rašiová, Ľubomír Špak, Ľudmila Farkašová
A segment of abdominal aorta with a diameter greater than 3.0 cm is considered an aortic aneurysm. Approximately
80 % of aortic aneurysms occur between the renal arteries and the aortic bifurcation, because of turbulent blood flow
and its relative lack of elastin and vascular smooth muscle cells compared with the thoracic aorta. The likelihood that
an aneurysm will rupture is influenced by a number of factors including an aneurysm size, expansion rate, smoking
and persistent hypertension. According to the latest guidelines, ultrasonography screening of AAA is recommended
for all men older than 65 years. The majority of AAAs is asymptomatic. Medical therapy in small AAAs presents three
objectives: to prevent cardiovascular events, to limit AAA growth and to prepare the patient optimally to reduce perioperative
risk. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) became the primary mode of therapy for the majority of patients
with AAA, with open repair reserved for those with not suitable anatomy. Potential therapeutic target for AAA is specific
inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases.