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Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: A pilot study in Turkey
Mehmet Ali Koç1, Omer Arda Cetinkaya1, Evren Üstüner2
1Department of General Surgery, Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara-Turkey.
Summary
This pilot study found abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in 4.6% of Turkish men over 60. Smoking history and myocardial infarction significantly increased AAA risk, highlighting the need for larger prevalence studies in Turkey.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a serious condition with high mortality upon rupture.
- Understanding AAA prevalence in specific populations is crucial for preventative strategies.
- This study focuses on Turkish men aged 60 and older.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in Turkish men aged 60 years and older.
- To identify factors associated with AAA in this demographic.
- To provide preliminary data for future larger-scale research in Turkey.
Main Methods:
- A pilot study involving 239 male volunteers aged 60+ from 62 family health centers in Ankara.
- B-mode ultrasonography was used to screen participants for AAA (defined as aorta ≥3 cm diameter).
- Data collected included age, height, weight, medical history, and risk factors like smoking, myocardial infarction, coronary angiography, diabetes, and peripheral arterial disease.
Main Results:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was detected in 11 participants (4.6%).
- A history of smoking was a significant risk factor (Odds ratio: 12.75).
- History of myocardial infarction and coronary angiography were also statistically associated with increased AAA risk.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of AAA in Turkish men aged 60+ aligns with existing literature.
- Smoking, myocardial infarction, and coronary angiography are identified as significant risk factors.
- Larger epidemiological studies are recommended to establish definitive prevalence and risk factors in Turkey.
