High prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a primary care screening programme

• Published in: British journal of surgery Vol. 85; no. 8; pp. 1090 - 1094
• Main Authors: Boll, A. P. M., Verbeek, A. L. M., van de Lisdonk, E. H., van der Vliet, J. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01-08-1998; Wiley
• Subjects: Age Distribution; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal - diagnostic imaging; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal - epidemiology; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal - pathology; Biological and medical sciences; Blood and lymphatic vessels; Cardiology. Vascular system; Diseases of the aorta; Family Practice; Humans; Male; Mass Screening - methods; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Netherlands - epidemiology; Prevalence; Rural Health; Ultrasonography; Urban Health; Netherlands; Europe; Human; High risk; Prevalence; Radiodiagnosis; Ultrasound imaging; Mortality; Aneurysm; Sex; Age criterion; Cardiovascular disease; Medical screening; Arterial disease; Vascular disease; Abdominal aorta; Geographic distribution; Public health organization; Medical imagery; Aortic disease; Public health
• ISSN: 0007-1323; 1365-2168
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2168.1998.00814.x

Background
The mortality rate associated with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) remains high. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of population screening for AAA.
Methods
In an area with a mixed rural and industrialized population of 60 000 inhabitants, all 23 general practitioners (GPs) participated. The GPs selected from their patient lists men aged 60–80 years. Men whose condition was suitable for aortic surgery were invited for screening by a single postal letter. All men responding had aortic ultrasonography in or close to the GP surgery. Diagnosis of AAA was established when the aortic diameter was 30 mm or greater. Referral for surgery was advised for an aortic diameter of 50 mm or greater.
Results
Of 2914 invitations, 2419 men had ultrasonography, resulting in an attendance rate of 83·0 per cent. A total of 2416 aortic measurements were made; 196 aortic aneurysms were diagnosed (prevalence 8·1 per cent). In 40 men the aortic diameter was over 50 mm.
Conclusion
Ultrasonographic screening for AAA is feasible in a primary care setting. © 1998 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd