Are periods of low atmospheric pressure associated with an increased risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture

INTRODUCTIONSeasonal variation in rates of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture has previously been described. However, only two studies, to date, have suggested that periods of low atmospheric pressure may account for this observation and both returned apparently contradictory findings. The objective of this study was to demonstrate whether periods of low atmospheric pressure are indeed associated with an increased likelihood of AAA rupture presentation. PATIENTS AND METHODSA total of 182 cases of ruptured AAA were identified retrospectively from two centres over a 6-year period from January 2000 to December 2005. Local meteorological data for the corresponding period was obtained from the UK Meteorological Office which was recorded daily at a local weather station. Statistical analysis using Student's t-test, ANOVA (Kruskal–Wallis), linear regression and multiple logistic regression was conducted to identify significant relationships from the data. RESULTSDays of rupture presentation were associated ...