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Elderly men at high risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms
Screening programs for abdominal aortic aneurysms are not yet widespread.
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The presence of abdominal aortic aneurysms was higher in men aged older than 60 years who had transient ischemic attack or stroke, study results suggested.
Screening programs for abdominal aortic aneurysms have not been implemented on a wide scale despite U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendations, according to the study abstract. Researchers for the prospective study evaluated 499 patients diagnosed with transient ischemic attack or stroke at the Gelre Hospitals Apeldoorn, Netherlands between 2002 and 2005.
Researchers presented the results at the Society of North America 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting in Chicago. The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in the 499 patients was comparable with that of the general population (5.8%; 95% CI, 5.6%-6.0%). A subgroup analysis by sex and age showed an association between men aged older than 59 years and the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (P,.0001). The researchers also reported that in a subgroup of 235 men who were at least 59 years, the presence of abdominal aortic aneurysms was 11.2% (95% CI, 10.4%-11.8%).
“Prevalence in men of 60 years and older with TIA and stroke is considerably higher than in the general population,” Niels H.A. Van Lindert, MD, a physician at Gelre Hospitals, said in a presentation. “In men over this age, screening this could make it official, but to fully satisfy this, further study of the benefits and costs are needed.”
This is a very interesting finding. Of course, this supports the concept that “atherosclerosis begets atherosclerosis.” This study would have to be repeated on a larger scale, as this expands the screening indications for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
– Michael Jaff, DO
Cardiology Today Editorial Board member
For more information:
- Van Lindert N. #SSM26-01. Presented at: Radiological Society of North America 94th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting; Nov. 30-Dec. 5, 2008; Chicago.