Family physician performed point-of-care ultrasound underestimated abdominal aortic diameter by a mean of 0.20 cm compared to hospital-based imaging (95% CI 0.06-0.33 cm; P=0.006) in men aged 65-74 with smoking history.
Cross-Sectional (n=18)
Blinded family physicians to patient known/unknown AAA status
Yes
Does point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) performed by family physicians accurately measure abdominal aortic diameter compared to hospital-based imaging in men over 65 with a smoking history?
Family physicians with variable POCUS experience can accurately perform AAA screening in the ambulatory setting, with measurements closely correlating to formal hospital-based imaging.
Effect estimate: Mean difference 0.20 cm underestimation by POCUS (95% CI 95% CI 0.06 to 0.33 cm)
Absolute Event Rate: 0.2% vs 0%
p-value: p=0.006
This small study found data suggesting that family physicians with variable POCUS experience can accurately perform AAA screening in the ambulatory setting with either handheld or cart-based POCUS machines.
Paulus et al. (Mon,) conducted a cross-sectional in Men aged 65-74 with smoking history meeting USPSTF criteria for AAA screening (n=18). Family physician performed point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm vs. Hospital-based abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography scan was evaluated on Difference in maximal abdominal aortic diameter measurements (cm) between family physician POCUS and hospital-based scan (Mean difference 0.20 cm underestimation by POCUS, 95% CI 95% CI 0.06 to 0.33 cm, p=0.006). Family physician performed point-of-care ultrasound underestimated abdominal aortic diameter by a mean of 0.20 cm compared to hospital-based imaging (95% CI 0.06-0.33 cm; P=0.006) in men aged 65-74 with smoking history.