A METHOD OF CT-EVALUATION TO ASSESS THE R ISK OF SYMPTOMATIC AORTIC-ANEURYSMS

Abdominal and back pain characterize symptomatic aortic aneurysms at r isk of rupture, but may have other causes too. By means of morphologic criteria in computed tomography the risk of large aneurysms can be es timated. Every 30 CT-scans of symptomatic and asymptomatic infrarenal aortic aneurysms were evaluated. Significant differences (p < 0.01) we re found according to diameter and distance from pain-sensitive struct ures like the spinal column, ureter (p < 0.05), psoas muscle and ventr al abdominal wall, or the vena cava. Considering all parameters using a scoring system the sensitivity of differentiation between asymptomat ic and truly symptomatic aneurysms is improved. Thus estimating the ri sk of symptomatic aneurysms as an adjusted therapy is possible.