Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) currently ranks as the 15th leading cause of death in the US. Most patients with AAA are asymptomatic until rupture. Elective AAA repair is the most effective therapy to prevent death from aortic rupture. In this review, we discuss the rationale and examine the role of ultrasound screening to detect AAA in the population. We conclude that ultrasound screening reduces the death rate caused by AAA rupture, particularly, in at-risk men and women 65-75 years of age who have smoked tobacco or have family history.

Source: Seminars in Roentgenology - October 22, 2014 Category: Radiology Authors: Alexis D. Hall, Patti Barkley, Karen Broadbent, Tam T.T. Huynh Source Type: research