USPSTF Issues Draft Recommendations on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

January 27th, 2014

USPSTF Issues Draft Recommendations on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

Nicholas Downing, MD

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force now says that the evidence is insufficient to weigh the benefits and harms of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in women aged 65 to 75 who’ve ever smoked. In its previous 2005 guideline the USPFSTF clearly advised against screening for all women.

An updated review by the Task Force has been published in Annals of Internal Medicine. As in 2005, the task force continues to recommend:

One-time ultrasound screening for AAA in men aged 65 to 75 who’ve ever smoked (grade B recommendation).
Selective screening of men in that age group who’ve never smoked, as the lower AAA prevalence in this population means the net benefit is small (grade C). Men who might warrant screening include those with a history of vascular aneurysm or a first-degree relative with AAA.
No screening for women who’ve never smoked (grade D).

The recommendations apply to asymptomatic adults aged 50 and older. The draft statement is available for public comment until Feb. 24.

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January 27th, 2014