Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in England and the United States

Abstract

To the Editor: Karthikesalingam et al. (Nov. 24 issue)1 found a larger diameter of abdominal aortic aneurysm at the time of repair in England than in the United States (mean diameter, 63.8 vs. 58.2 mm), as well as higher rates of hospitalization due to aneurysm rupture (odds ratio, 2.23; P<0.001) and aneurysm-related death (odds ratio, 3.60; P<0.001). As the authors mention, we previously suggested that the size threshold for aneurysm repair should be revisited in the era of endovascular repair.2 As the authors correctly state, “The decision about whether to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm requires consideration of a balance . . .