Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Best-Evidence Systematic Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

View larger version (11K): [in a new window]   Figure 1. Meta-analysis of mortality associated with abdominal aortic aneurysms in the abdominal aortic aneurysm screening trials. MASS = Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study; OR = odds ratio.

View larger version (10K): [in a new window]   Figure 2. Meta-analysis of all-cause mortality in the abdominal aortic aneurysm screening trials. MASS = Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study; OR = odds ratio. *Age = standardized numbers were used for the Western Australia trial because of an early age imbalance that was subsequently corrected (24).

View larger version (20K): [in a new window]   Figure 3. Prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) greater than 3.0 cm, according to age and smoking history.

View larger version (13K): [in a new window]   Appendix Figure 1. Primary care screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs): analytic framework. KQ = key question. KQ 1a = Does AAA screening, in an asymptomatic average-risk or high-risk population, reduce AAA-related adverse health outcomes? KQ 1b = For individuals who do not have AAAs on initial screening, does periodic repeated screening reduce AAA-related adverse health outcomes? KQ 2 = What are the harms associated with AAA screening? KQ 3 = For AAAs 3.0 to 5.4 cm detected through screening, does immediate repair or surveillance reduce AAA-related adverse health outcomes? KQ 4 = What are the harms associated with repair of AAAs 5.5 cm or greater? KQ 5 = What are the harms associated with immediate repair or surveillance of AAAs 3.0 to 5.4 cm?

View larger version (21K): [in a new window]   Appendix Figure 2. Trial flow diagram of studies evaluated for inclusion in each key question (KQ). All abstracts were reviewed for relevance to other KQs. Articles from experts or reference lists were also reviewed if relevant.

View this table: [in a new window]   Appendix Table. Formulas for Calculations in Outcomes Table 2