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

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.