Abdominal aneurysm in South African Negroes due to intimomedial mucoid degeneration.

Nine South African Negroes with abdominal aortic aneurysms due to intimomedial mucoid degeneration are described. These occurred in a younger age group than atherosclerotic aneurysms and with a female predominance. The aneurysms are not syphilitic in origin and are unlike atherosclerotic aneurysms. This form of abdominal aneurysm constitutes a distinct entity which is relatively prevalent in South African Negroes and which has hitherto received little or no emphasis and attention.