Ultrasound Aortic Aneurysm Screening

A recent draft has been published by The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)  that recommends the following:

1. Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by ultrasonography in men ages 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked.
2. The USPSTF recommends that clinicians selectively offer screening for AAA in men ages 65 to 75 years who have never smoked rather than routinely screening all men in this group.
   The USPSTF has stated “Existing evidence indicates that the net benefit of screening all men ages 65 to 75 years who have never smoked is small. 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.”