Are serum levels and polymorphisms of matrix metalloproteinases ( MMPs ) in carotid artery atherosclerosis : higher MMP-9 levels associated with plaque vulnerability?
MMP-9 serum levels were consistently associated with markers of carotid atherosclerosis and lesion vulnerability, whereas specific MMP genotypes were not.
Both radical and conservative surgical approaches in AAAD do not differ in mean of early or late results. Surgery before development of hemodynamic instability and prevention of other system complications improves the outcome of surgical treatment in AAAD.