Abstract
Aortic and carotid stiffness are elevated in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Failure of aortic compliance to increase with size may account for the higher risk of rupture. Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) frequently coexists with AAA and may further impair the arterial wall mechanics. We studied carotid and femoral viscoelastic properties and intima-media thickness (IMT) in this group of patients at higher mortality risk. The viscoelastic properties and IMT of the common carotid and common femoral arteries were determined in 30 AAA patients (15 with PVD) using a duplex ultrasound scanner coupled with wall tracking system. Physiological and biochemical variables were also assessed in these patients Patients with both AAA and PVD have significantly stiffer carotid and femoral arteries without statistical difference in the IMT. They were matched for age, body mass index, systolic and diastolic pressures, heart rate, presumed cardiovascular load and plasma creatinine, glucose and lipid concentrations. Reduced carotid and femoral compliance in subjects with PVD and AAA may indicate not only greater cardiovascular risk but also increased risk of aortic expansion and rupture. This may account for the highest mortality seen in this group of subjects in the UK small aneurysm trial.
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