Introduction: The prevalence of infra-renal aortic abdominal aneurysms (AAA) is about 3 to 4 times higher in men, with a recommendation I 1a for screening men > 65y. Althoug women only represente 20% of the total AAAs they have a significant higher rupture rate - threefold higher - and a worse outcome after ruptured AAA repair. Screening is not consensual but can be recommended for women > 65y who have smoked or have a family history of AAA. Against screening is the fact that the AAA in women have not only a lower incidence but also a late presentation (>80y) but references have been made to the fact that smoking became popular more than 30 years after than men and so the effects just now can start to be seen.
Methods: A retrospective review was made to all women with an infra- renal AAA who undergo a surgical treatment, elective or urgent, in the past 7 years (January 2010 - August 2017) in our hospital. Information was obtained through the clinical process. It was made an evaluation of the demographic information and anatomic features.
Results: 15 cases were reviewed, 4 elective and 11 ruptured surgical repairs. The mean age was 74 and only 4 women were more than 80 years old, with a minium age of 57. More than half the patients were previously diagnosis with hypertension but only 30% had high cholesterol. Only one was a known smoker. None had a diagnosis of cardiac disease. One had a sintomatic cerebrovascular disease. Within the elective cases, all open repair, the intra-hospitalar mortality was zero with a mean stay of 7,5 days. The ruptured cases, 1 endovascular, had a perioperative mortality of 50% The mean aortic diametre at rupture was less than 6 cm.
Conclusion: Data supports the evidence of the morbidity of a ruptured AAA and the high intra-hospitalar mortality in women. Early detection and elective repair should be considered. Sex-specific research is needed to provide the best medical treatment.