Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

The UK NSC policy on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening in men over 65

More Information

An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery swells. It is caused by a damaged blood vessel or a weakness in the blood vessel wall. The pressure of blood in the artery causes it to 'balloon' out at the weak point. The swelling can be small and spherical (berry-sized), normally occurring near blood vessel branches, or it can be larger and balloon-like. Large aneurysms may also extend along the arteries. Aneurysms can occur anywhere in the body, but they are most common on the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body.

Policy Position

The UK NSC decided that AAA screening could be offered to men aged 65, provided that the men invited were given clear information about the risks of elective surgery, and that steps were taken to create networks of vascular surgical services to allow further specialisation, bigger throughput and therefore lower risk, because of the evidence relating to volume and quality. A working group has been set up to resolve these issues. Version 3.0 of the Standard Operating Procedures were published in July 2011.

This policy was reviewed in Mar 2009 and significant changes were made. It is due to be considered again in 2013/14, or earlier if significant new evidence emerges.

Screening in the UK

Compare how screening is offered across the UK.

Evidence Supporting the Policy

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm, a systematic review in the Cochrane Library Issue 2 2007. See Cosford PA, Leng GC. Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, issue 2.

A systematic review on screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm, produced by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force examines the evidence. See:Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm: a best-evidence systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2005)

A randomised controlled trial into the effect of abdominal aortic aneurysm screening on mortality in men. See: The Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS). Lancet 2002 Nov 16;360(9345):1531-9. PubMed abstract

Stakeholders

British Heart Foundation
British Medical Ultrasound Society
Cardio & Vascular Coalition
Circulation Foundation
Royal College of General Practitioners
Royal College of Radiologists
Royal College of Surgeons
Society for Vascular Technology
The Vascular Society

The stakeholder groups will be involved when the policy is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us.

More options

Go to top