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Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
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Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in asymptomatic adults
Muhammad Usman Ali1, Donna Fitzpatrick-Lewis2, John Miller3
1McMaster Evidence Review and Synthesis Center, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|November 23, 2016
Summary
Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) significantly reduces mortality and rupture in men aged 65+, but shows no benefit for women. Overdiagnosis is a potential concern.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Preventive Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Guidelines for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening using ultrasound were developed for the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care.
- Focus on screening for AAA in asymptomatic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence on the benefits and harms of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening.
- Evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound screening for AAA detection.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review incorporating studies from the United States Preventive Services Task Force review.
- Searched for citations up to April 2015 (PROSPERO Registration #CRD42015019047).
Main Results:
- One-time AAA screening in men (aged 65+) significantly reduced AAA-related mortality (42%) and rupture (38%) with moderate quality evidence.
- No significant benefit in mortality or rupture was observed for women undergoing AAA screening.
- Increased AAA-related procedures and a potential overdiagnosis rate of 45% were noted in screened men.
Conclusions:
- Population-based ultrasound screening for AAA in asymptomatic men aged 65+ reduces mortality and rupture.
- Current evidence does not support one-time AAA screening in women.
- Further research is needed on repeat and risk-factor-targeted AAA screening strategies.
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