Screening a high-risk population for abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abdominal aortic aneurysmal disease may lead to serious or fatal complications. Recent publications have noted the presence of aneurysms in as many as 14% of male patients older than 60 years with a history of cigarette smoking and peripheral vascular disease. To identify the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a similar group of patients, a prospective screening study of male patients more than 60 years of age who have severe peripheral or cerebrovascular disease was performed. This article presents the results of this study and examines the rationale for screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm.