Key result
A scoping review of 19 empirical studies found that ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in older men decreases rupture incidence and mortality, but may negatively impact quality of life.
Why the study?
Preventative guidelines recommend ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in older men to reduce mortality, but synthesis was needed to evaluate policy, practice, and potential changes to guidelines.
Does screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm using ultrasound improve outcomes in older adult men?
Does screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm using ultrasound improve outcomes in older adult men?
A scoping review of 19 studies highlights both the benefits (reduced rupture and mortality) and potential harms (quality of life impacts) of ultrasound screening for AAA in older men.
Supports cautious AAA screening decisions weighing mortality benefits against QoL risks; leaves open need for randomized confirmation.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially fatal condition predominantly affecting older adult men (60 years or over). Based on evidence, preventative health-care guidelines recommend screening older males for AAA using ultrasound. In attempts to reduce AAA mortality among men, screening has been utilized for early detection in some Western countries including the UK and Sweden. The current scoping review includes 19 empirical studies focusing on AAA screening in men. The findings from these studies highlight benefits and potential harms of male AAA screening. The benefits of AAA screening for men include decreased incidence of AAA rupture, decreased AAA mortality, increased effectiveness of elective AAA repair surgery, and cost-effectiveness. The potential harms of AAA screening included lack of AAA mortality reduction, negative impacts on quality of life, and inconsistent screening eligibility criteria being applied by primary care practitioners. The current scoping review findings are discussed to suggest changes to AAA screening guidelines and improve policy and practice.
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Bains et al. (2021) conducted a review in Abdominal aortic aneurysm (n=19). Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm was evaluated on Benefits and potential harms of male AAA screening. A scoping review of 19 empirical studies found that ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in older men decreases rupture incidence and mortality, but may negatively impact quality of life.
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