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A community screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysms
J Collin1, L Araujo, D Lindsell
1Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford, U.K.
Insights
Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in men aged 65-74 years can reduce mortality. Early surgery for detected aneurysms is also recommended.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a significant cause of mortality in older men.
- Screening programs aim to detect AAA early for timely intervention.
- Age is a key factor in AAA prevalence and rupture risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and uptake of AAA screening in men aged 65-79 years.
- To determine the prevalence of AAA in the screened population.
- To assess the potential impact of screening on reducing AAA-related mortality.
Main Methods:
- A screening program invited 369 men aged 65-79 years for abdominal aortic ultrasound.
- One hundred and forty-one men attended the screening appointment.
- Data on attendance rates by age group were collected.
Main Results:
- Four abdominal aortic aneurysms were detected among the 141 men examined.
- Attendance rates were higher in younger men (43.2% for ages 65-74) compared to older men (29.1% for ages 75-79).
- The study highlights a lower uptake in the older age group.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in men aged 65-74 years is suggested as a method to reduce mortality.
- Early surgical intervention for detected aneurysms is recommended.
- Targeted screening in specific age groups may improve program effectiveness.
Abstract:
Three-hundred and sixty-nine unselected men aged 65-79 years were invited for screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm. One hundred and forty-one men were examined and 4 aneurysms detected. 43.2% of men aged 65-74 attended for examination in response to a single unsolicited letter of explanation with the date of an appointment, but only 29.1% of those aged 75-79 years. It is suggested that community mortality from ruptured aortic aneurysm could be reduced by ultrasound screening of the aorta in men aged 65-74 years and early selective aneurysm surgery.