Key result
Ultrasound screening for AAA theoretically prevents an AAA death every ~250 scans.
Why the study?
Despite increasing elective AAA resections, mortality from ruptured AAA is rising and cost-benefit analyses of screening are based on uncertain assumptions.
Does ultrasonographic screening for AAA prevent AAA-related deaths in men over 65?
Does ultrasonographic screening for AAA prevent AAA-related deaths in men over 65?
Ultrasonographic screening for AAA in older men is a potentially cost-effective strategy to prevent deaths from ruptured aneurysms, prompting ongoing randomized trials.
Supports low-cost ultrasonographic AAA detection; leaves open whether screening reduces population rupture mortality.
In spite of increasing number of elective resections of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) the mortality or ruptured AAA is increasing. The advantages of elective operations are obvious; the lethality is 2-6% while the lethality of ruptured AAA is 75-95%. However, AAA seldom causes symptoms before rupture. Ultrasonographic screening for AAA takes 10 minutes per scan, and the sensitivity and specificity are high. Ultrasonographic screening for AAA is a reliable, safe and inexpensive method for screening, and screening for AAA is discussed worldwide. One point four percent of deaths among men from 65 to 80 year of age are caused by ruptured AAA. Screening men over 65 for AAA can theoretically prevent a substantial number of deaths. Our calculations predict one prevented AAA-death per 200-300 scans for a cost of about 4000 DKK per saved year of life. However, cost-benefit analyses are based on uncertain assumptions concerning prevalence, incidence and risk of rupture. Therefore a randomized trial screening of 65-73 year old males is taking place in the County of Viborg in Denmark. Udgivelsesdato: 1997-Mar-24
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Jes S. Lindholt (2001) conducted a review in Abdominal aortic aneurysm. Ultrasonographic screening was evaluated. Ultrasonographic screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm theoretically prevents one AAA-death per 200-300 scans, prompting an ongoing randomized trial in Denmark.
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