BACKGROUND: Based on randomized, population-based screening protocols, a single ultrasound examination reduces mortality from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by facilitating elective surgical intervention before rupture. Ultrasound screening is accurate, noninvasive, inexpensive, and cost effective. By using a comprehensive electronic medical record, we inquired whether an age-prompted clinical reminder would facilitate the detection of AAA. METHODS: The AAA risk screen was installed in May 2007 via a computerized patient record system prompt for male veterans ages 65 to 75 who ever smoked. This abbreviated ultrasound examination uses a 3.5- to 4-MHz scan head, measures anteroposterior and transverse planes, and reports the largest infrarenal aortic diameter. RESULTS: Of 1437 examinations there were 73 AAAs of 3.0-cm diameter or larger (5.1%); 33 AAAs of 4.0-cm diameter or larger (2.3%); 15 AAAs of 5.0-cm diameter or larger (1.0%); and 11 AAAs of 5.5-cm diameter or larger (.77%). Fifty (68%) received counseling for abnormal findings. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of newly diagnosed AAA compared favorably with that of previous screening studies. Electronic clinical reminders identify undiagnosed, life-threatening AAAs before rupture. Immediate counseling is available in the vascular setting.
BACKGROUND: Based on randomized, population-based screening protocols, a single ultrasound examination reduces mortality from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by facilitating elective surgical intervention before rupture. Ultrasound screening is accurate, noninvasive, inexpensive, and cost effective. By using a comprehensive electronic medical record, we inquired whether an age-prompted clinical reminder would facilitate the detection of AAA. METHODS: The AAA risk screen was installed in May 2007 via a computerized patient record system prompt for male veterans ages 65 to 75 who ever smoked. This abbreviated ultrasound examination uses a 3.5- to 4-MHz scan head, measures anteroposterior and transverse planes, and reports the largest infrarenal aortic diameter. RESULTS: Of 1437 examinations there were 73 AAAs of 3.0-cm diameter or larger (5.1%); 33 AAAs of 4.0-cm diameter or larger (2.3%); 15 AAAs of 5.0-cm diameter or larger (1.0%); and 11 AAAs of 5.5-cm diameter or larger (.77%). Fifty (68%) received counseling for abnormal findings. CONCLUSIONS: Recognition of newly diagnosed AAA compared favorably with that of previous screening studies. Electronic clinical reminders identify undiagnosed, life-threatening AAAs before rupture. Immediate counseling is available in the vascular setting.
Authors: Angela K Lawson; Jamie M McGuire; Edernst Noncent; John F Olivieri; Kristin N Smith; Erica E Marsh Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2017-05-12 Impact factor: 2.681
Authors: Su Q Nguyen; Edwin Mwakalindile; James S Booth; Vicki Hogan; Jordan Morgan; Charles T Prickett; John P Donnelly; Henry E Wang Journal: PeerJ Date: 2014-04-10 Impact factor: 2.984
Authors: Tiina Kortteisto; Jani Raitanen; Jorma Komulainen; Ilkka Kunnamo; Marjukka Mäkelä; Pekka Rissanen; Minna Kaila Journal: Implement Sci Date: 2014-01-20 Impact factor: 7.327