Atherosclerosis in vascular beds outside of aorta tied to lower risk of fast aneurysm growth

A recent study has found an association between atherosclerosis in vascular beds outside of the aorta and a reduced risk of fast aneurysm growth.

Additionally, “peripheral artery disease (PAD) without pharmacological therapy had higher rates of fast aneurysm growth,” the authors said. “Aspirin showed decreased aneurysm growth regardless of the co-incident vascular disease in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms, highlighting the importance of appropriate pharmacological therapy.”

In this study, the authors assessed annualized abdominal aortic aneurysm growth rates over 10 years and confirmed the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), PAD, renal artery stenosis (RAS), and internal carotid artery stenosis (CAS). They used multivariable logistic regression models to explore the relationship between atherosclerotic conditions and fast aneurysm growth (≥0.5 cm/year). Medication use, including aspirin, was further stratified.

CAD, CAS, and RAS significantly correlated with a lower likelihood of fast aortic aneurysm growth, potentially driven by medications for treating these conditions. Of note, aspirin was the only medication that slowed aneurysm growth regardless of disease comorbidity.

Patients with PAD that was not managed by medications showed faster aneurysm growth than those without PAD. Furthermore, the addition of statins resulted in a greater reduction in fast aneurysm growth in patients with PAD already taking aspirin.

“While risk factors for atherosclerotic diseases and abdominal aortic aneurysms overlap, some risk factors, like diabetes, may slow aneurysm growth,” the authors said.