Plasma levels of high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) were measured using a high-sensitivity technique and AAA size was determined by computed tomography in 435 patients with asymptomatic AAAs followed up in our outpatient department.
The median hs-CRP level was 4.23 mg/L. The aorta diameter increased in the four groups of patients determined according to hs-CRP quartiles (35 ¡À 2, 40 ¡À 3, 49 ¡À 4, and 58 ¡À 5 mm; P = .01). The median rate of CRP level variation per year was 1.4 mg/L. Patients with an elevation >1.4 mg/L had an expansion rate of 4.8 mm vs 3.9 mm in those <1.4 mg/L (P < .01). The multivariate age-adjusted logistic model confirmed initial diameter and variation of CRP level were the only factors associated with expansion, with odds ratios (95 % confidence intervals) of 6.3 (3.1-7.5) and 3.4 (2.1-5.6).
These results confirm a statistical association between AAA diameter and hs-CRP plasma levels. This cohort study corroborates this potential causal association and contributes information about the value of the hs-CRP plasma level gradient as a marker of disease progression and rate of expansion.