Is population screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm cost-effective?

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Health Economics
• Public Health Screening

Background:

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture is a significant cause of mortality in men over 65.
• Early detection and elective surgery for AAA can reduce mortality risk.
• Population screening for AAA in elderly males is proposed as an effective and cost-effective strategy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review published cost-effectiveness analyses of screening elderly men for AAA.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of economic evaluations in multiple databases (NHSEED, EconLit, Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Cinahl, DACEHTA, SBU).
• Full-text review of identified studies.
• Critical appraisal of economic evaluations using international guidelines.

Main Results:

• 16 cost-effectiveness studies were identified.
• Most studies focused on short-term cost consequences.
• Studies often utilized optimistic assumptions favoring AAA screening and limited sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions:

• Further cost-effectiveness analyses of AAA screening are recommended.
• The current evidence base may be influenced by optimistic assumptions, necessitating more robust evaluations.