Abdominal aortic aneurysm: consequences of a positive family history.

To assess the prevalence of coexisting abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) within certain families, a retrospective review was carried out of patients who had undergone AAA repair over a 5-year period. Contact was made with 305 families (52%) and a positive history of an affected, first-degree relative was obtained in 34 (11%). A known AAA was reported to affect approximately 20% of siblings at risk when the proband had an affected parent or sibling. Siblings of patients with an affected first-degree relative represent a high-risk group that may benefit from a screening program for earlier detection and elective management of AAA.