Ultrasound Detects Abdominal Aneurysms, Saves Lives

Ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysms can reduce the risk of death by more than 50 percent. (see chart).¹ That's the conclusion of a British study, published in The Lancet, of 67,800 men aged 65-74. The findings of the randomized controlled trial are significant because ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms are so lethal they kill more than half of all victims, often before they reach the hospital. The death toll is 15,000 lives annually in the U.S. And it is estimated that 95 percent of aortic aneurysms could be treated successfully through effective screening and follow-up care. Click here to view the study

A separate analysis of the same patient group found that ultrasound screening for abdominal aneurysms is also cost-effective. Published in The British Medical Journal, the report found that screening over a four-year period cost $45,000 per life year saved – a figure that is within the range of what is considered be cost-effective. When the findings are projected to 10 years, the incremental cost-effectiveness dropped to $13,000 per life year gained – an even more favorable result.² Click here to view the study

¹ "The Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS) Into the Effect of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening on Mortality in Men: A Randomised Controlled Trial," The Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study Group, The Lancet, Vol. 360: 1531-39, 2002.
² "Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study (MASS): Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Based on Four Year Results from Randomised Controlled Trial," Multicentre Aneurysm Screening Study Group, The British Medical Journal, Vol. 325, November 16, 2002. Also see, "CT Screening: A Trade-off of Risks, Benefits, and Costs," Hunink MG, Gazelle GS, The Journal of Clinical Investigation, Vol. 111, No. 11; June 2003.