Cost-Effectiveness Analyses of Population-Based Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Evidence Synthesis

In 1996, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) found insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine screening of asymptomatic adults for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) either with abdominal palpation or ultrasonography. The USPSTF did recognize that selective screening of high-risk patients might be beneficial, for example, in men with other risk factors such as peripheral vascular disease or a family history of AAA. However, the USPSTF stated clearly that there was no direct evidence that screening for AAA reduces mortality or morbidity in any population.