Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the major causes of cardiovascular death in the UK. Men above the age of 60 are especially at risk, especially smokers or men who have previously smoked.Aortic aneurysm can be easily detected by ultrasound screening and treatment can be offered to prevent rupture. Evidence from clinical studies shows that it is both cost effective and beneficial to screen male smokers and previous smokers in the 65-75 year age group.A lack of infrastructure for detecting and treating aneurysms in the UK has prevented the service being offered by the NHS and patients seeking private screening are normally charged between £95 and £135 for a scan. Aortascan was formed by a partnership of UK consultant radiologists based in the West Midland and offers private ultrasound screening for only £50. Income from Aortascan supports the NHS radiology department in Hereford.Patients may self refer for a scan. The evidence supports screening in men aged 65-75 but scans on women and in younger age groups may also be justified if there is a background of vascular disease or family history. Advice is available from the radiologists at Aortascan. The screening scan only needs to be done once in the 65-75 age range. A normal aorta at age 65 is unlikely to ever become significantly aneurysmal.Contact details for Aortascan are available on their website.