Highlights of an international workshop on abdominal aortic aneurysms.

There is a growing appreciation of the magnitude of the problem of AAA in all Western countries. The large numbers of subjects needed to answer some of the questions, such as the natural history of small AAAs and risk factor analysis, requires that these studies be carried out by a multicentre group. The advantages of international collaboration, when possible, should ensure more uniform methods and definitions as well as more rapid recruitment of subjects. Granting agencies may find such an approach more attractive, and the results may be more relevant.