Morphology and etiopathogenesis of the abdominal aortic aneurysm

The paper summarizes the latest research on the abdominal aorta aneurysm etiopathogenesis and compares normal aorta morphology with changes in the aortic aneurysm wall. The role of risk factors, especially hemodynamic and genetic, is discussed in detail. Special attention is paid to inflammatory processes including cytokines and matrix degrading proteases that contribute to the development of aneurysm. The role of thrombus and the current results of research into biomarkers indicating the risks and progression of the disease are analysed. Finally, a review of pharmacomodulation of the aortic aneurysm using statins, antibiotics, antihypertensive and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs is presented.