Abdominal aortic aneurysm

is a relatively common and often fatal condition that primarily affects older patients. AAAs and aortic dissections are responsible for at least 15,000 deaths yearly and in 2000 were the 10th leading cause of death in white men 65 to 74 years of age in the United States.1 With an aging population, the incidence and prevalence of AAA is certain to rise. Most AAAs are asymptomatic, and physical exami-nation lacks sensitivity for detecting an aneu-rysm.2 It is important that family physicians understand which patients are at risk for the development of AAA and the appropriate evaluation once a patient has been diagnose