Location
Philadelphia, PA
Start Date
17-4-2026 1:30 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
An aneurysm is defined as a localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel caused by weakening of the vessel wall. Common types include abdominal, thoracic, cerebral, and peripheral aneurysms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for AAAs include tobacco use, age, sex (men are at higher risk than women), being caucasian, family history of AAAs, and history of prior aneurysms.
Dissection of a 95 year old female, whose cause of death was listed as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) revealed an enlarged aorta throughout the thorax and abdomen. The width of the enlarged aorta was compared with the average aortic width of other cadavers and a hypothesis proposed on how this may have affected our cadaver during her lifetime. Five female cadavers and their respective aortas were analyzed as a control group in comparison to this 95 year old female individual. Data points were collected from: the arch, thoracic, upper and lower abdominal regions. The mean aortic diameter among controls was 17.4± 3.1mm, compared to the cadaver whose mean diameter was 30.6± 17.8mm, showing a substantial increase relative to controls.
Based on the size and location of the AAA in our cadaver, we hypothesize a variety of implications that affected her quality of life prior to death. AAA’s are commonly associated with abdominal pain. The cadaver presented with mild spinal curvature, possibly attributed to the size of the aneurysm, which may have presented as back pain of varying degrees with differing activities. While the majority of the vasculature was spared by the AAA, the Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) was found to potentially have decreased blood flow based on the close proximity of the IMA’s branching point off of the aorta to the AAA. This could cause symptoms associated with the hindgut. From our analysis of this AAA, we hypothesize that our cadaver likely had a significant reduction in quality of life due to the pain and associated compromised blood flow she experienced.
Prevention and screening are essential components in reducing the risk and complications associated with aneurysms. Important topics to consider include lifestyle modifications and blood pressure management. The USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Service Task Force) does not recommend routine screening for women due to limited benefits, as they are 6 times less likely to develop an AAA than men. Estrogen is a protective factor against AAA, however, females are at higher risk for rupture and mortality.
Imaging modalities are essential for the detection and evaluation of aneurysms. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently used to assess aneurysm size, location, and risk of rupture. Surgical or endovascular aneurysm repair is indicated in female patients with an AAA greater than 50mm. Repair is typically performed through open aortic grafting or endovascular aortic stent placement. The absence of surgical repair of this aneurysm, may have been due to her age and other risk factors.
Embargo Period
6-3-2026
Included in
An extensive abdominal aortic aneurysm in a 95 year-old: A cadaver case study
Philadelphia, PA
An aneurysm is defined as a localized abnormal dilation of a blood vessel caused by weakening of the vessel wall. Common types include abdominal, thoracic, cerebral, and peripheral aneurysms.
According to the Mayo Clinic, risk factors for AAAs include tobacco use, age, sex (men are at higher risk than women), being caucasian, family history of AAAs, and history of prior aneurysms.
Dissection of a 95 year old female, whose cause of death was listed as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) revealed an enlarged aorta throughout the thorax and abdomen. The width of the enlarged aorta was compared with the average aortic width of other cadavers and a hypothesis proposed on how this may have affected our cadaver during her lifetime. Five female cadavers and their respective aortas were analyzed as a control group in comparison to this 95 year old female individual. Data points were collected from: the arch, thoracic, upper and lower abdominal regions. The mean aortic diameter among controls was 17.4± 3.1mm, compared to the cadaver whose mean diameter was 30.6± 17.8mm, showing a substantial increase relative to controls.
Based on the size and location of the AAA in our cadaver, we hypothesize a variety of implications that affected her quality of life prior to death. AAA’s are commonly associated with abdominal pain. The cadaver presented with mild spinal curvature, possibly attributed to the size of the aneurysm, which may have presented as back pain of varying degrees with differing activities. While the majority of the vasculature was spared by the AAA, the Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA) was found to potentially have decreased blood flow based on the close proximity of the IMA’s branching point off of the aorta to the AAA. This could cause symptoms associated with the hindgut. From our analysis of this AAA, we hypothesize that our cadaver likely had a significant reduction in quality of life due to the pain and associated compromised blood flow she experienced.
Prevention and screening are essential components in reducing the risk and complications associated with aneurysms. Important topics to consider include lifestyle modifications and blood pressure management. The USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Service Task Force) does not recommend routine screening for women due to limited benefits, as they are 6 times less likely to develop an AAA than men. Estrogen is a protective factor against AAA, however, females are at higher risk for rupture and mortality.
Imaging modalities are essential for the detection and evaluation of aneurysms. Ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are frequently used to assess aneurysm size, location, and risk of rupture. Surgical or endovascular aneurysm repair is indicated in female patients with an AAA greater than 50mm. Repair is typically performed through open aortic grafting or endovascular aortic stent placement. The absence of surgical repair of this aneurysm, may have been due to her age and other risk factors.