[Elastase imbalance: alpha-1 antitrypsin in aneurysms].

The balance between proteinases and their inhibitors is important in maintaining structural integrity of connective tissues, including the arterial wall. Elevated serum elastase level is a possible serum marker of patients with high risk of aneurysm formation. Possibly, the heterozygous and the homozygous AAT deficiency states are genetic risk factors that could predispose a aneurysm formation.