SCREENING FOR ABDOMINAL AORTIC ANEURYSM IN A POPULATION AT RISK: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Aim. To evaluate the mass screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in at risk groups. Materials and methods. We performed a systematic review of the literature using the databases Medline, Embase, HTA, and the Cochrane Library. Relevant articles were selected by reading the abstracts found in the search and applying series of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Afterwards, the entire text was read critically and the results were extracted and analyzed. A new meta-analysis is being carried out. Results. One systematic review, one meta-analysis and six retrospective articles were selected. We have the following results: a) it is recommended the mass screening for AAA in men 65-75 years of age carried out by means of abdominal ultrasound; b) it is recommend the following up of patients when the AAA is equal or more than 3 cm and the treatment with open surgery or endovascular repair of AAA if AAA is at 5-5,5 cm, it presents a growth bigger than 1 cm/year, and/or when the patient presents symptoms; and c) to implement a screening program in the National Health System, appropriate infrastructures are required and the integration of the different elements should be assured. It will have important repercussions on human health and on the organization. Before setting up a screening program an assessment should be made of the reality of the National Health System, carrying out previously pilot studies to determine the factibility in certain health areas. Conclusion. Screening for AAA reduces the specific morbility and mortality due to this cause, when it is carried out among men aged 65 to 75 years.