Abdominal aortic aneurysm--to screen or not to screen.
With the ten WHO criteria for a screening program to be started, screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm is analyzed. Most of the criteria are fulfilled concerning the 65-year old male population, whereas concerning females we need more knowledge. Still the aneurysmal diameter is the most important factor to select patients for treatment meaning that many aneurysms are treated where rupture should never have occurred. Research projects giving more information on pathophysiological processes behind expansion and rupture should have priority.
Bergqvist
D
D
Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Surgery, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
Björck
M
M
Wanhainen
A
A
D000368:Aged; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000191:economics / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001019:Aortic Rupture / Q000191:economics / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016730:Program Development; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000191:economics; D014944:World Health Organization