Effects of disease progression on mechanical stresses in human abdominal aortic aneurysms

The present study uses finite element (FE) simulations to investigate a three-stage theory on the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). The effect of collagen growth and remodeling (G&R) on mechanical wall stresses during dis-ease evolution is investigated. The results show that impaired remodeling during AAA growth leads to an increase in wall stress, indicating a more vulnerable vessel. Conversely, successful G&R of the collagen network results in less stress, suggesting a possible healing process promoted by vascular cells that sense the mechanical changes associated with AAA formation and growth. Overall, the results presented provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of AAAs.