Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
Summary of the 2019 recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
This is an educational summary written for a portfolio project. Recommendations change; always confirm with the official source.
Who it applies to
Adults aged 65 to 75 without symptoms.
Recommendation
- Men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked: one-time screening with abdominal ultrasound (grade B). "Ever smoked" generally means 100 or more cigarettes in a lifetime.
- Men aged 65 to 75 who have never smoked: offer screening selectively based on medical history, family history and other risk factors (grade C).
- Women who have never smoked and have no family history of aneurysm: the Task Force recommends against routine screening (grade D).
- Women aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked or have a family history: the evidence is insufficient (I statement).
Notes
A single ultrasound is usually enough; repeat screening is not routinely recommended when the first result is normal.