CardioExchange Archive

CardioExchange, an NEJM practice community for medical professionals dedicated to improving cardiac patient care, was active from 2009 to 2015. CardioExchange fostered discussion between clinicians from across the globe.

July 6th, 2012

Screening (and Some Rescreening) for Aortic Aneurysms Found Cost Effective

A Danish study published in BMJ confirms the cost effectiveness of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms in older men and explores the benefits of rescreening in those with increased aortic diameters. (The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends one-time screening for men between age 65 and 75 who have ever smoked.)

Researchers used Danish national registries to characterize a theoretical cohort of 100,000 men at age 65. They then modeled screening versus no screening — and then, among those who were initially screened, a single repeat screening at 5 years versus screening every 5 years for life.

Screening was more cost effective than no screening. Using a cost-effectiveness threshold of roughly $30,000 for each quality-adjusted life-year gained, a single rescreening after 5 years seemed optimal in those with aortic diameters of 25 to 29 mm on the initial screen.

However, the authors cite “substantial uncertainty” and call for further research on the rates of aneurysm growth and rupture.

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