Can Osteopathic Medical Students Accurately Measure Abdominal Aortic Dimensions Using Handheld Ultrasonography Devices in the Primary Care Setting?

Context: The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends a 1-time ultrasonography (US) screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) to reduce AAA-specific mortality in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. A 2015 study concluded that less than 50% of at-risk primary care patients are screened for AAA. To increase screening rates, it would be beneficial to train other health care professionals in accurately measuring abdominal aortic dimensions.