Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in cardiovascular patients.
BACKGROUND
The objective of the study was to determine the incidence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) in a population of symptomatic cardiac patients. A retrospective cohort study of investigations was done at the cardiology clinic, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin.


METHODS
There were 415 men and women recruited by referral to the cardiology clinic. All participants underwent routine ultrasound screening for AAA, and full assessment of all cardiac risk factors. Data were analyzed and correlated with age, sex, and diagnosis.


RESULTS
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of aneurysm was based on an anteroposterior diameter of 3 cm or more. Of the 415 patients screened, 47 aneurysms were detected. Total incidence of AAA was 9.9% (male 14.1%, female 3.95%). All aneurysms were detected in patients over 60 years, detection rate 11.7% (male 16.3%, female 3.9%). The incidence of AAA was significantly higher in those who were subsequently proven to have cardiovascular disease, 13.8% (male 18%, female 5.15%).


CONCLUSIONS
Screening the general population for those at risk of AAA is an ongoing debate. This study supports the concept of screening a higher risk population of patients over 60 years with cardiovascular disease.
Hanly
Ann M
AM
Department of Vascular Surgery, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. amhanly@indigo.ie
Javad
Shazia
S
Anderson
Louise P
LP
Horgan
John
J
Kelly
Cathal J
CJ
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography