ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms referred to a tertiary center and to compare with individuals with abdominal aortic aneurysm found at necropsy. METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 556 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and 102 cases abdominal aortic aneurysm found at necropsy. RESULTS: At univariated analysis, hypertension, tobacco use and maximum diameter were significant risk factors for symptomatic aneurysm, while diabetes tended to be a protective factor for rupture. By logistic regression analysis, the largest transverse diameter was the only one significantly associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture (p < .0001, odds ratio 1.7, 95% confidence interval 1.481-1.951). Intact abdominal aortic aneurysm found at necropsy showed similarities with outpatients in relation to abdominal aortic aneurysm diameter and risk factors. CONCLUSION: Intact abdominal aortic aneurysm at necropsy and at outpatients setting showed similarities that confirmed that abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is less offered to women, and they died more frequently with intact abdominal aortic aneurysm from other causes.
