USPSTF affirms no change in 2014 recommendations for AAA Screening

Published On 2019-06-20 03:34 GMT | Update On 2019-06-20 03:34 GMT

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, USPSTF in a draft statement, has reaffirmed its 2014 recommendations on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm .

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are leading cause mortality and morbidity but often go undiagnosed until late stages unless imaging is performed. In 2005, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for the first time recommended one-time ultrasound screening for elderly male smokers and selective screening in other populations. These guidelines were reaffirmed and updated in 2014.

Evidence indicates that the net benefit of screening all men in this group is small," the writers of the recommendation wrote. "In determining whether this service is appropriate in individual cases, patients and clinicians should consider the balance of benefits and harms on the basis of evidence relevant to the patient's medical history, family history, other risk factors, and personal values."

The sole change from 2014 reflects that family history "is becoming more clear as a risk factor,"

One-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is recommended at ages 65 to 75 for men who have ever smoked but not for other groups, according to a draft recommendation of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). But clinicians should be selective in are the screening.

Here are some important points:

For men aged 65 to 75 who've ever smoked, one-time screening with abdominal ultrasonography is recommended (grade B recommendation).

For men of that age who've never smoked, screening should be offered selectively based on patient preference and risk factors, such as the history of AAA in a first-degree relative (grade C recommendation).

For women of that age who have smoked or have a family history of AAA, there's not enough evidence to weigh the benefits and harms of screening (I statement).

For women who have never smoked and don't have a family history, screening is not recommended (grade D recommendation).

For further reference log on to: USPSTF draft recommendations statement (Free)

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USPSTF affirms no change in 2014 recommendations for AAA Screening

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