The importance of abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: about a case report

Introduction: Abdominal aortic aneurysm is more common in men aged ≥ 65 years and with smoking habits. The main complication is rupture, which has a high mortality rate. Case report: This clinical case reports a 75-year-old man, ex-smoker, with benign prostatic hypertrophy, who was observed on a scheduled consultation with relapse of low urinary complaints. A suprapubic vesicoprostatic ultrasound scan was requested, which showed an incidental abdominal aortic aneurysm with about 16cm long and 11cm antero-posterior caliber. The patient was conducted to the emergency department, was hospitalized, and later underwent surgical correction of this aneurysm. Comment: This case reflects the importance of the early identification of this acquired malformation in men aged ≥ 65 years through the implementation of an ultrasound screening program, not yet implemented in Portugal, but already recommended by several guidelines. Low urinary symptoms may be a presentation of this aneurysm.