Inguinal Hernia and Arterial Disease

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Inguinal hernias are associated with problems related to the venous system by the linking to extracellular matrix alterations (ECM). On the other hand, arterial diseases (arterial aneurysms, carotid, stenosis, peripheral artery disease) are widespread in the general population and may share others pathological pathways related to ECM impairment. Aim to this study is to evaluate the prevalence of arterial diseases in patients with inguinal hernia.

Detailed Description
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Previous studies showed the correlation between inguinal hernias and venous disease. The common pathophysiological pathway between these clinical conditions is linked to extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations. Arterial diseases, mainly represented by carotid stenosis, peripheral artery disease and arterial aneurysms, are widespread in western population and are responsible of high rates of morbidity and mortality. These diseases are also related to some ECM alterations. Aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the prevalence of arterial disease among patients with inguinal hernias. The primary endpoint of this study is to provide new epidemiological evidences on this association that may help physicians in novel preventive strategies. The study will consider the inclusion of consecutive patients assessed for inguinal hernia over 1 year period in order to study the prevalence of concomitant arterial disease, by means of office visit, echo duplex scan of the aorta and its main branches, carotid arteries and lower limb arteries.

Official Title
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Observational Cross-sectional Study on the Association Between Inguinal Hernias and Arterial Diseases

Conditions
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Inguinal Hernia, Arterial Disease

Intervention / Treatment
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* Diagnostic Test: In-office vascular visit
* Diagnostic Test: Echo duplex scan of arterial system


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: patients with inguinal hernia Exclusion Criteria: patients with malignancies

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Patients with Inguinal hernia<br>Patients presenting with inguinal hernia will undergo vascular in-office visit and echo duplex of aorta, carotid arteries and lower limb arteries in order to detect any abnormalities related to arterial disease (aneurysm, stenosis, flow alteration). | Diagnostic Test: In-office vascular visit<br>* Every patient will undergo a complete physical examination in order to detect any clinical or sub clinical vascular disease.<br>Diagnostic Test: Echo duplex scan of arterial system<br>* Every patient will undergo a complete echo duplex scan in order to detect any morphological or hemodynamic alteration of aorta, carotid arteries and lower limb arteries.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prevalence of arterial disease in patients with inguinal hernia | Patients with inguinal hernia will be assessed for the presence of arterial aneurysm, carotid stenosis, and peripheral artery disease in order to find any correlation between these pathological conditions. | at 1 year | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Inguinal Hernia, Carotid stenosis, Arterial Disease, Peripheral artery disease, Arterial aneurysm