SEASONAL-VARIATIONS IN THE RUPTURE OF ABDOMINAL AORTIC-ANEURYSMS

From 1982 to 1994, 54 patients (47 men; mean age 72 years) were referr ed to the Hospital of Ferrara, Italy for spontaneous rupture of abdomi nal aortic aneurysm. Sixteen died in the emergency department and 38 u nderwent urgent surgery. Day and month of onset of acute symptoms lead ing to urgent surgery were recorded. A seasonal variation with signifi cant peaks in spring and autumn was found. These findings are likely i nfluenced by local environmental, social and epidemiological factors, but may be relevant for the appropriate timing of the follow-up and th erapeutic strategies for abdominal aortic aneurysms.