Assessment of the abdominal aorta regarding its morphology, morphometry, and concomitant pathologies associated with abdominal aorta aneurysm

Aims: The abdominal aorta (AA) plays a crucial role in both invasive and non-invasive radiological procedures, particularly in hepatorenal and colorectal surgeries. In this study, the abdominal aorta was examined morphologically, and the presence of aneurysms and accompanying pathologies was discussed. Anatomical structures that can guide surgeons and radiologists were defined as landmarks, and a morphometric approach was made. Methods: This study examined the AA of 20 formalin-embalmed American cadavers (ages 50-96) donated to Albert Einstein College of Medicine’s C&DA Department. From supine cadavers, aortic bifurcation (BA) levels were examined for the vertebral column. Linear, longitudinal, and transverse distances were measured between the Left renal artery (LtRA) and branching points of BA, diameters of AA, tortuosity, and morphology were examined. Results: Four of the 20 cadavers included in the study had AA aneurysm (AAA). Cadaveric examinations showed aortic dilatation, abdominal aorta wall thickness, atherosclerosis, thrombus formation at the Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA), an abdominal tortuous aorta, L3 vertebrae deviation, multiple AAA, hemivertebrae, L3 compression fractures, and osteodegenerative changes. The average AA transverse diameter is 22.93±2.69 mm. Upon assessment of the correlation between advancing age and the incidence of AAA in the male population, no statistically significant relationship was found (p=0.167). Conclusion: Although the exact role of atherosclerosis in the development of AAA remains unclear, it may contribute to their occurrence; studies with larger cohorts are needed to better understand their prevalence and associated anatomical changes.