Giant abdominal aortic aneurysms: A case series and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Giant abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), defined as those measuring greater than 13.0 cm in transverse diameter, represent a rare clinical entity and present unique anatomic challenges. Methods: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained aneurysm database from 2000 to 2013 was performed at a single academic referral center. Preoperative comorbid status, aneurysm characteristics, procedural details, and perioperative course were recorded for all patients. Results: Four patients (male, n = 3) with a mean age of 75.2 years (range, 71-80 years) underwent open repair of giant AAAs. The mean AAA size was 14.4 cm (range, 13.2-15.5 cm). All giant AAAs were associated with neck length <10 mm and/or severe neck angulation. At a mean follow-up of 22 months, there has been 1 late death due to nonaneurysm-related causes. Conclusion: Due to anatomic limitation with currently available aortic endografts, giant AAAs have been traditionally repaired using a standard open surgical approach. The feasibility of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) with or without the use of adjunct techniques, including snorkel/chimney or fenestrated EVAR, has yet to be elucidated.