USPSTF Reaffirms Recommendations on AAA Screening in Draft Statement

By the Editors

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, in a draft statement, has reaffirmed its 2014 recommendations on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Here are the key points:

• For men aged 65 to 75 who've ever smoked, one-time screening with abdominal ultrasonography is recommended (grade B recommendation).

• For men of that age who've never smoked, screening should be offered selectively based on patient preference and risk factors, such as history of AAA in a first-degree relative (grade C recommendation).

• For women of that age who have smoked or have a family history of AAA, there's not enough evidence to weigh the benefits and harms of screening (I statement).

• For women who have never smoked and don't have a family history, screening is not recommended (grade D recommendation).