Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Different Altitudes: Protocol for a Multi-Center Prospective Observational Study (ADAPT Study)

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a critical vascular condition with significant implications for morbidity and mortality. Current clinical practices and translational research in AAA predominantly derive from studies conducted at low to medium altitudes. However, the unique environmental and genetic factors prevalent in high-altitude regions may influence the risk factors, progression mechanisms, and overall prognosis of AAA, potentially leading to divergent clinical outcomes. To address this gap, we propose a multi-center prospective observational study across varying altitudes. This study will establish a distributed storage system tailored to “different altitudes,” encompassing a comprehensive clinical database, an imaging library, and biological sample banks. Prospective data collection will include baseline characteristics, concomitant diseases, detailed imaging information, blood tests, surgical and anesthesia details, perioperative complications, and follow-up data. Blood and tissue specimens will be collected following informed consent and stored using a standardized protocol. This study aims to enhance both clinical and translational research in AAA, providing valuable insights into the altitude-specific dynamics of this condition and informing tailored therapeutic strategies.