Which condition is a common cause of abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Atherosclerosis is recognized as the predominant factor contributing to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). This condition involves the progressive accumulation of plaque within the arterial walls, leading to a compromise in vascular integrity. Over time, the arterial wall becomes weakened and more susceptible to dilation under pressure, causing an aneurysm to form.

In the context of AAAs, the risk factors connected to atherosclerosis play a significant role. These include advancing age, male gender, smoking, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia—all of which contribute to increased plaque formation and arterial damage. As a result, individuals with significant atherosclerotic disease are at a greater risk for the development of aneurysms, particularly in the abdominal aorta.

While other conditions listed may have some association with vascular disease or contribute to cardiovascular risk, they are not the primary drivers of AAA formation. For instance, Marfan's syndrome is a connective tissue disorder that can lead to aneurysms, but it is more commonly associated with thoracic aortic aneurysms than with abdominal ones. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are also risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, but they are less directly implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms compared to atherosclerosis.