Retrospective study comparing the selenium level in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm with the selenium level in patients in the control group, i.e., patients without aneurysmal changes of the abdominal aorta.

Selenium (Se), incorporated into selenocysteine, is an essential component of selenoproteins. These proteins play a crucial role in vascular protection by reducing oxidative stress, regulating inflammation, supporting endothelial nitric oxide signalling, and maintaining smooth muscle cell homeostasis. Insufficient selenoprotein activity contributes to vascular dysfunction and weakening of the vessel wall.

The aim of this project is to investigate a potential association between reduced selenium levels and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) of degenerative origin.

The study group will include 20 individuals with an abdominal aortic aneurysm measuring at least 35 millimeters in diameter, verified by a radiologist using standard diagnostic imaging methods (ultrasound, CT angiography, or digital subtraction angiography). The control group will comprise 20 individuals without an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Selenium blood levels will be measured in both groups, and the relationship between selenium status and the presence of AAA will be evaluated using biostatistical analysis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• cases - patients with AAA (confirmed by radiology) followed by vascular surgery outpatient office that signed informed consent. The AAA was not treated by surgery or endovascular intervention
• controls - people without AAA (confirmed by ultrasonography) followed by vascular surgery outpatient office for other vascular disease that signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients that had AAA treated by surgery or endovascular intervention
• persons that did not sign informed consent

The study group comprises of 40 subjects. Twenty are cases, these are patients with AAA that was confirmed by radiology. The AAA was not treated by surgery or endovascular intervention. The are followed for the AAA by vascular surgery outpatient office. Controls are twenty persons without AAA, as confirmed by ultrasonography. They are followed by vascular surgery outpatient office for other vascular diseases. Both cases and controls are taken a blood sample, in which blood selenium level is established. Odds ratio will be calculated of having low than normal blood selenium levels in cases versus controls.