Genetic background of the Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potential life threatening disease
when it is not timely identified and treated. An AAA does not produce any
symptoms until it ruptures and causes a large bleeding, leading to mortality
rate of 80%. Een Approximately 7-10% of men over 65 years old have a either
known or unrecognized AAA. 25% of these patients have at least one first degree
family member which is also affected by AAA. Given the asymptomatic character
it is of interest to identify these patients with a effective strategy.

In the presented study we would like to investigate the genetic background of
the AAA with a twofould objective, namely the possibility of presymptomatic
diagnosis of the AAA and the definition of molecular mechanism as possible
therapeutic targets.

Due to a already running follow up study, all AAA patients are already known to
us. The family history reveals that of these patients (n=260) 25% has one or
more first degree family members with a known AAA. Patients and their fisrt
degree family members will be invited to participate in a one time vein
puncture which is combined with a information day on AAA disease and
cardiovascular risk management. Lymphocytes and subsequently DNA will be
isolated and DNA will be investigated by means of a genechip array for loci
that are possibly involved in AAA development and progression. For analysis
patients and familymembers will be clustered according to their family history.

Not applicable