What is the recommended screening for AAA in patients over 65 years old?

• A. Chest X-ray
• B. Abdominal ultrasound
• C. CT scan
• D. MRI

Answer: (B)

The recommended screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in patients over 65 years old is an abdominal ultrasound. This method is preferred due to its effectiveness in detecting aneurysms while being non-invasive, low-cost, and devoid of exposure to ionizing radiation.

Abdominal ultrasounds serve as the first-line screening tool because they provide clear images of the aorta, helping to confirm the presence, size, and characteristics of any aneurysms. The American College of Radiology and the Society for Vascular Surgery endorse ultrasound screening as it is reliable and can be easily administered in an outpatient setting, making it accessible to patients.

While other imaging modalities, such as CT scans and MRIs, can also be used to evaluate the aorta, they are typically reserved for further investigation or in cases where the ultrasound results are inconclusive. CT scans do provide more detailed information about the anatomy and surrounding structures, but they involve radiation exposure and higher costs. Similarly, MRIs are not commonly used for routine AAA screening due to their cost and limited availability in many settings.

In conclusion, abdominal ultrasound is the most suitable and recommended method for routine screening of AAA in individuals over the age of 65, taking into account safety, accessibility, and