Objective: This study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) in men older than 50 years with a complaint of low back pain, employing MRI technique
Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 600 men older than 50 years with low back pain evaluated by MRI were assessed during a 12-month period. A diameter of abdominal aorta more than 3 cm was considered as aneurysm. Patients were divided in two groups: group A without an evidence of lumbar disc herniation on MRI (300 patients); and group B with lumbar disc herniation (300 patients). History of smoking was determined in all patients.
Results: Mean age was 60.05±8.81 (50-84) years. Positive history of previous or current smoking was found in 185 (30.8%) patients. AAA was detected in 7 (1.2%) patients, 3.2% and 0.2% of smokers and non-smokers, respectively (p=0.004, OR=13.9). There were 5 (1.7%) and 2 (0.7%) cases with AAA in groups A and B, respectively (p=0.287). In group B, 1% and 0.5% of patients with and without a positive history of smoking had AAA, respectively (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of AAA in elderly men with low back pain is similar to their counterparts without a complaint of low back pain. On the other hand, smoking was a risk factor for AAA. Screening of AAA in men older than 50 years with low back pain who smoke may be advisable. (Rawal Med J 2009;34:1-3).
Key words: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Low Back Pain, MRI.
|
