Prevalence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) in a Population Undergoing Computed Tomography Colonography in Canterbury, New Zealand

Abstract

In this observational study, the prevalence of AAA was high and warrants further evaluation. The results acquired help to define a population that may benefit from a national AAA screening programme.

The impact of CT colonography on abdominal aortic aneurysm referrals in a tertiary hospital

“…In a study conducted during a similar period to this study, some 65 of 223 (29.1%) patients with an AAA were present on CTC but were not diagnosed or reported . This proportion of aneurysm underreporting found on incidental abdominal imaging has previously been reported .…”

“…In a study conducted during a similar period to this study, some 65 of 223 (29.1%) patients with an AAA were present on CTC but were not diagnosed or reported. 7 This proportion of aneurysm underreporting found on incidental abdominal imaging has previously been reported. 11 These issues emphasise the need for developing processes where the abdominal aorta is routinely measured to avoid misdiagnosis and preventing fatal complications of aortic rupture.…”

“…Very recently, two studies have independently reported aneurysm prevalence from selected populations in the South Island of NZ. The first was from a cohort of patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and the second from a group undergoing CT colonography (CTC) for the evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms . The prevalence of AAA in men aged 65–74 years undergoing TTE and CTC was 4.7% (83/1767) and 9.1% (45/492) respectively .…”

“…The first was from a cohort of patients undergoing transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) and the second from a group undergoing CT colonography (CTC) for the evaluation of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. 6,7 The prevalence of AAA in men aged 65-74 years undergoing TTE and CTC was 4.7% (83/1767) and 9.1% (45/492) respectively. 6,7 This prevalence is similar to previous population studies conducted in Europe and Australia a decade ago despite a potential selection bias introduced by using targeted populations undergoing CTC or TTE studies.…”

“…6,7 The prevalence of AAA in men aged 65-74 years undergoing TTE and CTC was 4.7% (83/1767) and 9.1% (45/492) respectively. 6,7 This prevalence is similar to previous population studies conducted in Europe and Australia a decade ago despite a potential selection bias introduced by using targeted populations undergoing CTC or TTE studies. 8 An indirect advantage of CTC is the potential for the detection of 'extra-colonic' findings ( Fig.…”