When are abdominal ultrasounds recommended as a screening tool?

Abdominal ultrasounds are recommended as a screening tool for individuals who are at increased risk for conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), particularly in men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked. This recommendation is based on the understanding that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing AAA, which can lead to life-threatening complications if undetected.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) specifically recommends one-time screening for AAA using abdominal ultrasound in this demographic due to the high prevalence of the condition and the potential benefits of early detection and intervention. Men in this age group who have a history of smoking are identified as being at higher risk for vascular diseases, making screening essential for prompt identification and management.

In contrast, screening is not routinely recommended for women or for men who have never smoked, as their absolute risk for developing AAA is significantly lower, and the harms of screening might outweigh the benefits in these groups.