A Five-Year Experience of Sparing Treatment of Descending Aortic Atherosclerotic Aneurysms

A growing number of specialists are now beginning to ascertain that treatment of individuals with descending aortic atherosclerotic aneurysms must be provided by cardiologists on a scheduled basis. Surgery is feasible when there is a risk of aneurysm rupture. It requires for the development of conservative treatments and elaboration of indications for surgery. A total of 97 patients with thoracic aortic atherosclerotic aneurysms (TAAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) have been examined over a 5-year period. They received multifaceted anti-inflammatory medical treatment to strengthen the aortic wall and control its possible expansion. Operative treatment was offered only if there was a risk of aneurysm rupture. One of the principal factors adversely affecting mortality is the presence of co-morbidities requiring permanent medical corrective treatment irrespective of surgical or medical treatment provided. It is also important to outline the indications for surgery based on multifactorial pathogenetic manifestations. Treatment aiming at the reversal of ethiopathogenic mechanisms of disease progression contributes to a significant longer survival in DAA patients.