The UK NSC recommendation on Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening in men over 65

Recommendation	Systematic population screening programme recommended
Last review completed	August 2017
Next review due in	2020/21
Key downloads	Last external review - Subaneurysmal aortas – modification review (June 2017) Last external review - Subaneurysmal aortas – modification review appendices (June 2017) Last evidence review summary
Evidence to support continuation or cessation of existing screening programmes should be reviewed regularly. The process for this is currently being revised, which is why this topic does not currently have a review date. The new process will be published in due course. Each programme has an active portfolio of research, evidence and audit to support continual improvement. Find out more about abdominal aortic aneurysm screening in England. The UK NSC decided that AAA screening could be offered to men aged 65, provided that the men invited were given clear information about the risks of elective surgery, and that steps were taken to create networks of vascular surgical services to allow further specialisation, bigger throughput and therefore lower risk, because of the evidence relating to volume and quality. A working group has been set up to resolve these issues.  Version 3.0 of the Standard Operating Procedures were published in July 2011.

Find general information about population health screening.

More about Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

An aneurysm occurs when part of an artery swells. It is caused by a damaged blood vessel or a weakness in the blood vessel wall. The pressure of blood in the artery causes it to 'balloon' out at the weak point. The swelling can be small and spherical (berry-sized), normally occurring near blood vessel branches, or it can be larger and balloon-like. Large aneurysms may also extend along the arteries. Aneurysms can occur anywhere in the body, but they are most common on the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the body.

» Read more about abdominal aortic aneurysms on NHS Choices

Screening in the UK

Compare how screening is offered across the UK.

Stakeholders

• British Heart Foundation
• British Medical Ultrasound Society
• Cardio & Vascular Coalition
• Circulation Foundation
• Faculty of Public Health
• Royal College of General Practitioners
• Royal College of Nursing
• Royal College of Physicians
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
• Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh
• Royal College of Radiologists
• Royal College of Surgeons
• Royal Society of Medicine
• Society for Vascular Technology
• Society of Vascular Nurses
• Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland

The stakeholder groups will be involved when the recommendation is next reviewed. If you think your organisation should be added, please contact us. More information for stakeholders can be found in appendix C of the UK NSC evidence review process.

Related documents

AAA policy review summary (Nov 2005) (PDF document, 80KB, 03/06/11)

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