Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Ultrasound Screening

Patients Age 50+

An aneurysm is an abnormal ballooning or enlargement of a blood vessel. When this happens in the abdominal portion of the aorta (the largest blood vessel in the body) it is known as an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). AAA is present in 5-10% of men aged 65-79 yrs, and if rupture occurs, mortality is 80%. Ultrasound screening has been shown to reduce mortality from AAA and is recommended for men 65 years or older.

The Canadian Society of Vascular Surgery supports ultrasound screening of men ages 65-75 for AAAs and annual follow-up for aneurysms 3.0-4.4cm in size.¹