Is Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Worthwhile?

Screening in these men saved lives over a 4-year period, and the screening program was relatively cost-effective.

Ultrasound can detect abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) before they are likely to rupture. However, it is unclear whether the overall benefits of screening for AAAs outweigh the potential harms. In this randomized study, British researchers evaluated ultrasound screening in 67,800 men (age range, 65 to 74) who were identified from family-doctor lists: The men were offered abdominal ultrasound scans or were not offered scans. Intervention subjects with AAAs of at least 3-cm diameter on ultrasound underwent periodic repeat scanning during follow-up. Surgery was offered when aneurysms reached 5.5 cm in diameter or expanded at a rate of 1 cm per year, or if patients developed symptoms.

Of the 33,839 men who were offered screening, 27,147 underwe…

Reviewing Authors

Sir Brian Jarman, PhD, FRCP, FRCGP, FFPHM, FmedSci

Keith I. Marton, MD

Allan S. Brett, MD