Is screening of abdominal aortic aneurysm effective in a general practice setting?

Aim: This prospective study was conducted to assess feasibility, patients' acceptability and impact of ultrasound screening on rupture rate of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Methods: A population based sample of men (n=2709), aged over 60 years, covering 11 general practices was offered ultrasound screening between January 1996 and December 2003. The presence of risk factors for arteriosclerosis and annual rupture rates for AAAs were analyzed.