A proposal for a precise definition of abdominal aortic aneurysm. A personal view.

Recent advances in Vascular Surgical practice have highlighted the urgent need for a precise internationally agreed definition of what an abdominal aortic aneurysm is. After consideration of possible alternatives a proposal is made that "An abdominal aortic aneurysm is present when the maximum external diameter of the infrarenal abdominal aorta is either (1) greater than 4.0 cm or (2) exceeds the maximum diameter of the aorta between the origin of the superior mesenteric and left renal arteries by at least 0.5 cm". An international nomenclature congress may be required to produce a universally agreed definition.