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Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms: single centre randomised controlled trial.
Jes S Lindholt1, Svend Juul, Helge Fasting
1Vascular Research Unit, Department of Vascular Surgery, Sygehus Viborg, DK-8800 Viborg, Denmark. jes.s.lindholt@sygehusviborg.dk
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|March 11, 2005
Summary
Screening Danish men aged 65+ for abdominal aortic aneurysms significantly reduces mortality. This mass screening program led to a 67% reduction in aneurysm-specific deaths, saving one life for every 352 men screened.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Public Health Screening
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are a significant cause of mortality in older men.
- Early detection through screening can potentially reduce AAA-related deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a population-based screening program for abdominal aortic aneurysms in reducing mortality among Danish men aged 65 years and older.
Main Methods:
- A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted in Viborg County, Denmark.
- 12,639 men aged 64-73 years were randomized to either screening by abdominal ultrasonography or a control group.
- Outcomes included AAA-specific mortality, overall mortality, and surgical interventions.
Main Results:
- The screening program achieved a 76.6% attendance rate, identifying 4.0% of screened men with AAAs.
- A significant 67% reduction in AAA-specific mortality was observed in the screened group compared to the control group.
- Screened men underwent 75% fewer emergency operations for AAAs, with a number needed to screen of 352 to prevent one death.
Conclusions:
- Mass screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in men aged 65 and older is an effective strategy for reducing mortality.
- The benefits of screening may become more pronounced over longer follow-up periods.