High prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a primary care screening programme.
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 60000 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.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasonographic screening for AAA is feasible in a primary care setting.
Department of Surgery, St Radboud University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
A P
AP
Boll
A L
AL
Verbeek
E H
EH
van de Lisdonk
J A
JA
van der Vliet
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012423:Rural Health; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014504:Urban Health