Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm is still high in certain areas of southern Europe.

Background: Ultrasound screening of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has proved to reduce mortality from AAA rupture and has been implemented in several countries. Recent reports show a decreasing prevalence of AAA in Western countries. We report the results from a screening program among 65-year-old men in a defined area in the North of Spain.

[Prognostic value of inflammatory markers and lipid profile in patients suffering from intermittent claudication - a pilot study].

Background And Objective: To analyse clinical and serological variables (lipid profile, inflammatory biomarkers) as potential risk factors for the development of short-term cardiovascular events and mortality in patients suffering from intermittent claudication.

Patients And Methods: We included all patients with a first-time diagnosis of vascular intermittent claudication in our center during 2005-2006. We analysed clinical data, serological parameters (creatinine, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, ApolipoproteinA1, ApolipoproteinB100, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR], fibrinogen), cardiovascular events and mortality during 1-3 year follow-up.