Journal of Clinical and Analytical Medicine, cilt.8, ss.114-116, 2017 (Scopus)
Aim: An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is uncommon in people. Male gender and smoking are the most important risk factors. AAA is a condition that may be fatal when diagnosis is delayed. This study aimed to emphasize the necessity for screening due to four fatal cases with abdominal aortic aneurysm in a geriatric population. Material and Method: The study included 320 patients from a nursing home and an emergency department. The diameters of abdominal aortas were measured and assessed for risk factors. Results: Of the patients, 232 (72.5%) were male and the mean age was 75.65±7.76 (range: 62-95 years). Hypertension was the most frequent risk factor determined. Mean aortic diameter was found as 18.87 ± 2.74 mm (range: 15-26 mm). No significant associations were detected among risk factors, age groups, and aortic diameter. Four cases with abdominal aortic aneurysm died. Discussion: AAA is the most frequently seen aneurysm among true aneurysms. Major risk factors for AAA include male gender, smoking history, and age >65 years. In advanced ages, particularly in men, screening for AAA reduced deaths caused by rupture. The patients should be assessed for surgical intervention by taking risk factors into consideration. Large-scale screening studies can reduce risk for mortality.