What is the USPSTF's recommendation for abdominal aortic aneurysm screening?

The USPSTF recommends a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) specifically for men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. This recommendation is based on evidence demonstrating that this demographic is at a higher risk for developing AAAs due to the combination of age and smoking history. The screening has been shown to be effective in reducing mortality associated with AAA by identifying aneurysms early when they can be monitored or surgically repaired.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the USPSTF guidelines. The recommendation for all adults does not take into account the specific risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of AAA. Women who have ever smoked have a lower risk and are not included in the general recommendation for screening unless other risk factors apply, making that choice less relevant. Regular screening for men above 75 years of age is not endorsed due to the increased risk of complications from procedures and the lower yield of detecting AAAs at that age, particularly since many may have already succumbed to other health issues or have had previous screenings. Therefore, the specific targeting of screening only for men aged 65 to 75 who have a smoking history reflects both the risk profile and the benefit of early detection.