Sex-specific Differences in AAA Complexity

Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Sex-specific Differences in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Complexity and Association With Adverse Outcomes

A retrospective cohort study of computed tomography scans of AAA patients considered for repair, in order to identify sex specific differences in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) metrics and the association between anatomical differences/features of complexity and adverse patient outcome.

A retrospective cohort study of computed tomography scans of AAA patients considered for repair.

The study aims to, firstly, identify sex specific differences in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) metrics utilising manual and automated image processing techniques; and secondly, if numbers are sufficient, explore the association between features of AAA complexity and adverse patient outcome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All adult patients with AAA receiving assessment +/- primary open or endovascular repair at participating centre from 1/1/2010 to 31/12/2020.
• Must have AAA >= 5cm.
• Must have CT imaging within 1 year of operation or definitive turn down for treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Insufficient CT imaging quality (>3mm slices) or lack of CT within 1 year of operation.
• Insufficient clinical data to establish risk factors or clinical outcomes.
• Ruptured aneurysm, aorto-iliac occlusive disease, isolated iliac aneurysm, penetrating aortic ulcer, dissection, juxta or supra-renal aneurysm.
• Secondary repair/not primary treatment decision for AAA repair.