The Abdominal Aortic Artery is the largest blood vessel in your abdomen (figure 1.) The walls of this artery can become thin and weakened, causing enlargement of the artery, a bit like a blow out on the tyre of a car or bicycle (figure 2.) This is an abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA. Anybody can have an AAA but there are recognised risk factors that may make it more likely. Males over the age of 65 and people with a close family history of AAA are at highest risk. If the artery ruptures before diagnosis, the condition could prove to be fatal. A simple and painless ultrasound examination can identify and monitor the condition allowing appropriate and scheduled treatment.

Aneurysms pose a significant risk of rupture when their diameter exceeds 5.5 cm. This can be determined accurately, safely and quickly with ultrasound. Aneurysms in the high risk group may then be followed up at more frequent intervals until surgical intervention occurs..

Screening men for abdominal aortic aneurysms is very cost effective and reduces mortality by over 50%.

The frequency of surveillance increases as aneurysm size increases. This is summarised in the following table.

 

Men	Women	Review times
3.0 – 4.0cm	3.0 – 4.0 cm	Annual
4.0 – 4.9cm	4.0 – 4.5cm	Six monthly
5.0 – 5.5cm	4.5 – 5.0cm	3 monthly
>5.5cm	>5.0cm	CT scan and ? repair