کد مقاله | کد نشریه | سال انتشار | مقاله انگلیسی | نسخه تمام متن |
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4280647 | 1611562 | 2009 | 5 صفحه PDF | دانلود رایگان |
BackgroundBased on randomized, population-based screening protocols, a single ultrasound examination reduces mortality from an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by facilitating elective surgical intervention before rupture. Ultrasound screening is accurate, noninvasive, inexpensive, and cost effective. By using a comprehensive electronic medical record, we inquired whether an age-prompted clinical reminder would facilitate the detection of AAA.MethodsThe AAA risk screen was installed in May 2007 via a computerized patient record system prompt for male veterans ages 65 to 75 who ever smoked. This abbreviated ultrasound examination uses a 3.5- to 4-MHz scan head, measures anteroposterior and transverse planes, and reports the largest infrarenal aortic diameter.ResultsOf 1437 examinations there were 73 AAAs of 3.0-cm diameter or larger (5.1%); 33 AAAs of 4.0-cm diameter or larger (2.3%); 15 AAAs of 5.0-cm diameter or larger (1.0%); and 11 AAAs of 5.5-cm diameter or larger (.77%). Fifty (68%) received counseling for abnormal findings.ConclusionsRecognition of newly diagnosed AAA compared favorably with that of previous screening studies. Electronic clinical reminders identify undiagnosed, life-threatening AAAs before rupture. Immediate counseling is available in the vascular setting.
Journal: The American Journal of Surgery - Volume 198, Issue 5, November 2009, Pages 670–674