Summaries for patients. Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement.

DESCRIPTION Update of the 2005 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). METHODS The USPSTF commissioned a systematic review that assessed the evidence on the benefits and harms of screening for AAA and strategies for managing small (3.0 to 5.4 cm) screen-detected AAAs. POPULATION These recommendations apply to asymptomatic adults aged 50 years or older. RECOMMENDATION The USPSTF recommends 1-time screening for AAA with ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. (B recommendation). The USPSTF recommends that clinicians selectively offer screening for AAA in men aged 65 to 75 years who have never smoked. (C recommendation). The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening for AAA in women aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. (I statement). The USPSTF recommends against routine screening for AAA in women who have never smoked. (D recommendation).