Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2025
07:12
Author Spotlight: Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound for Comprehensive Evaluation of the Abdominal Aorta
Published on: September 8, 2023
2.3K
Screening for the vulnerable aorta: targeting high-risk groups in the population
Riccardo Proietti1, Mark Field2, Victoria McKay3
1Senior Clinical Lecturer.
The British Journal of Cardiology
|August 15, 2024
Summary
Thoracic aortic aneurysms are often silent until they cause acute aortic syndrome. Targeted screening of high-risk individuals is the most practical approach currently available.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) are frequently asymptomatic until a critical event occurs.
- Aneurysm vulnerability is linked to diameter and etiological factors (genotype, acquired disease).
- Widespread population screening for TAAs faces significant resource and imaging modality limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address the challenges of thoracic aneurysm screening.
- To identify pragmatic solutions for early detection of TAAs.
- To emphasize the importance of clinical vigilance for acute aortic pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of TAA pathogenesis and risk factors.
- Analysis of resource implications for general population screening.
- Evaluation of targeted and opportunistic screening strategies.
Main Results:
- General population screening for TAAs is not currently feasible due to resource constraints.
- Targeted screening of high-risk groups is the most pragmatic approach.
- Opportunistic screening via lung cancer screening programs may identify some cases.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare professionals should maintain a low threshold for suspecting acute aortic conditions in patients with chest pain.
- Targeted screening is essential until a comprehensive TAA screening program is established.
- Early consideration of aortic pathology is crucial for timely intervention.
