Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an abnormal widening of the abdominal section of the aorta (the main blood vessel that leads away from the heart). Over time, the pressure from blood flowing through the aorta can cause the AAA to expand. If an AAA bursts, it can lead to massive internal bleeding, which is often fatal. AAA often develops slowly and without symptoms, making it difficult to detect. The most common risk factors for AAA include male sex, increasing age, family history of AAA, smoking, and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension. The prevalence of AAA is low until approximately 60 years of age and increases steadily thereafter. In the absence of screening, AAA is typically diagnosed incidentally or as a medical emergency following rupture. Given that AAA typically has no symptoms and the severe consequences of AAA rupture, early detection through screening could reduce AAA-related morbidity and mortality.
Following a request from the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC), HIQA undertook a health technology assessment (HTA) of screening for AAA in men in Ireland. The HTA assessed the clinical effectiveness, safety, cost effectiveness, budget impact, ethical aspects, and organisational considerations associated with the introduction of a population-based AAA screening programme for men in Ireland. A draft report describing the results of this assessment has been published for public consultation.