Prospective Ultrasound Screening of Men With Cerebrovascular Disease for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms is higher in population with other vascular comorbidities, especially among men. Utility of screening among patients with cerebrovascular disease is unclear. Objective: To determine the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm in male patients with diagnosed cerebrovascular disease manifested by transient ischemic attack or stroke. Methods: Between May 2013 and May 2014, all consecutive male patients undergoing carotid ultrasound in single tertiary center with a catchment area of 179,000 inhabitants were evaluated for ultrasound screening of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Abdominal aortic aneurysm was defined as maximum diameter of infrarenal aorta 30 mm or more. Results: Of 105 (n = 105) consecutively evaluated male patients, only 69% (n = 72) were eligible for the study and underwent aortic screening. Reason for ineligibility was most often poor general medical condition (n = 29). Mean age of screened patients was 66 years (SD 9.8 years). Half of the screened patients suffered stroke (n = 36). The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm was 5.6% (n = 4). All found abdominal aortic aneurysms were small and did not require immediate surgical intervention. During a follow-up period of over 4 years, none of the aneurysms exhibited tendency for growth. Conclusions: The male population with cerebrovascular disease is comorbid and frail. Only, moderate prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms can be found in this subpopulation.